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. Don't own the song either from the film Honey.
A/N: Thanks a million to Kylie for helping me out with this chapter; you're awesome.
"Don't be sorry, that was the best phone sex I've ever had," he smirked leaning down to kiss her swollen lips.
I Believe
Real life took over again the following morning as Troy went off to the Staples Center and Gabriella went to meet Ryan at the studio to discuss her performance on Friday night.
"Have you given any thought to the song?" Ryan asked after they'd got the pleasantries out of the way.
"Well seeing as it was sprung on me at the last minute, I haven't give it much thought. I could always do Star Spangled Banner," she suggested.
"You could I guess but it's another platform to showcase what you're all about so I think you should do something different," he commented. "I've been looking through some songs that could work for the occasion, see what you think?" He handed her sheets of music and she settled on a stool at the side of the piano to study them, frowning in concentration and biting her bottom lip as she read the lyrics in her head. Ryan watched her smiling at her expression.
"Hmm! I like this one but I'm not sure if it could be done," she commented handing the sheet music to Ryan so he could study it. "It would need some back-up singers maybe?"
"Yeah you could be right," he stopped and scratched his head, deep in thought, "I like it though, sends an encouraging message and if they're losing…" Gabriella glared at him and he chuckled at her fierce expression.
"They won't lose," she stated confidently.
"Okay, okay, I was just saying," deflected Ryan still chuckling, "It would look good with a dance routine at the musical break too," he added enthusiastically, his artistic talent coming to the fore.
"Whoa! A dance routine! I can't learn a dance routine," gasped Gabriella.
"Sure you can, I've seen you dance remember and you pick it up really fast," encouraged Ryan confidence oozing from his voice, "I can help with that as you know, now we just have to find some dancers." He frowned as he tried to work out a solution. He suddenly clicked his fingers, a beaming smile appeared on his face as he looked at Gabriella.
"I think I have the solution and it may take a lot of work but I won't know until I ring a couple of people," he said walking towards the door, "Just practise that and I'll be back in no time," he added giving nothing away.
"Ugh!" exclaimed Gabriella in annoyance glaring after his retreating back. She looked back at the sheet music, saying the words in her head before trying them out vocally, her clear pure voice filled the room and even without music it sounded good. Ryan bounced back in, excitement in his every step.
"Wow! That sounds really good Gabi but I think we need accompanying music, let's go and see Scott and see what wonders he can perform," he said grabbing his jacket and ushering her out the door.
"Wha…what about the back-ups?" stammered Gabriella staring in bewilderment at Ryan.
"Sorted I think. I'll know more when they get here but first let's work with Scott," replied Ryan, revealing nothing.
"You are so infuriating sometimes, do you know that," grumbled Gabriella.
"So I'm told but you still love me," grinned Ryan.
"Who told you that," muttered Gabriella before a giggle burst from her lips.
"Hey have you heard, Gabriella is going to sing at the game," announced Zeke as he walked into the gym.
"Wow! That will be great," replied Jason as he sunk a basket.
"Yeah!" replied Chad and Troy in unison smiling at each other before continuing their one on one practise. Zeke looked at them suspiciously as he'd only heard through overhearing a conversation with the cheerleader co-ordinator and their coach.
"How do you know? I mean I only happened to overhear something so I don't think it's common knowledge yet," asked Zeke accusingly. Troy threw Chad a startled look missing the ball in the process.
"Taylor," replied Chad nonchalantly as Troy trotted back with the retrieved ball.
"Oh yeah, I forgot you two were dating," commented Zeke with a shrug, walking over to Jason. Troy pushed the ball near to Chad.
"Nice save dude," Troy said out of the corner of his mouth, relief etching his face.
"That's me Troy, quick on my feet," chuckled Chad before falling over the ball. Troy burst out laughing as his friend sprawled on the hard court.
"You were saying," he taunted as he held out a hand to haul his friend to his feet.
Scott worked his magic on the mixing deck as Gabriella sat in the recording booth, headphones perched on her head as her sweet voice filled the room, Ryan sat beside Scott nodding his head, satisfied with their mornings work as Gabriella came to the end of the song. He waved her out, hugging her as she walked out.
"Come on, let's grab some lunch then we can go back into the rehearsal room and start on the choreography, that's assuming they've arrived," he suggested with a smile," Scott that will be ready when we come back?" he asked turning back to Scott.
"Yeah, should be. It will cost you my usual Java though," teased Scott, Gabriella giggled as they walked out into the blazing sunshine.
"Hey Gabriella, congratulations on your album."
"Why are you back in the studio?"
"Are you working on your tour?"
"Ryan is it true you're engaged to Gabriella?"
"Gabriella, you look so pretty, smile please,"
They carried on walking not even looking up as they made their way to Ryan's car, climbing in quickly, Ryan not even waiting for her to buckle up before setting the vehicle in motion.
"Ugh! Inbred imbeciles," muttered Ryan making Gabriella giggle as he drove over to Green Bean.
"Now you know why Troy and I decided to keep our relationship on the down-low," commented Gabriella with a sigh.
"I kind of figured that out Gabi, I know how you value your privacy and I can't say I blame you," he sympathised, "and although Sharpay isn't the paps, when she finds out there'll be hell to pay you know," he added the warning.
"Yeah I know," Gabriella sighed again, "I think I feel more nervous telling her than I was my mom." Ryan chuckled in response.
"She still makes me nervous and I've lived with her all my life," he confided as they pulled up outside the restaurant.
After lunch they drove back to the studio, quickly darting inside before the paparazzi could get anywhere near them. Ryan still wouldn't reveal his brainwave to her and Gabriella gasped in shock when she walked into the rehearsal room to find six Lakers cheerleaders working on a routine, she spun round wonder on her face as she looked at Ryan. He smirked at her reaction.
"I thought it was a good idea, they're fit, they can dance and I am reliable informed these six can sing," he said quietly so only she could hear.
"Why didn't I think of that? It's the perfect solution and it would be amazing if we can get it to work," Her eyes danced with excitement at the prospect. "Let's get to work coach," she ordered Ryan with a giggle. They walked over to introduce themselves, the girls squealed when they saw Gabriella, flocking around her, shaking her hand and giggling. Ryan clapped his hands loudly and they stopped instantly, standing to order as he instructed them on what he wanted them to do.
It was eight o'clock, the cheerleaders had just left; Ryan was discussing the routine with Gabriella when the ring of her cell phone interrupted them. She smiled at Ryan and picked it up off the top of the piano to answer it.
"Hey you," she said cheerfully although her feet and legs ached like crazy.
"Are you ever coming home tonight?" Troy whined.
"We're just wrapping up for today," she replied with a chuckle.
"Good because I'm feeling very neglected," he said sadly.
"Aw! Poor baby, we can't have that now, can we," she teased as Ryan's eyebrow rose and a smirk split his face.
"So what do you have in mind?" he teased throatily.
"Oh I'll think of something," she replied a cheeky smile on her face, "do you want me to bring some food in?" she asked.
"Now you're talking," he enthused.
"So what do you fancy?" asked Gabriella.
"You, stripped and in my bed," he groaned. Gabriella blushed and Ryan chuckled at the probably reply.
"I think that can be arranged Troy, now what kind of food do you want," she giggled.
"I'm easy now I know I'm getting desert. How about Thai?" teased Troy.
"I wouldn't say that Troy but Thai sounds good. Where are you?" said Gabriella.
"I'm at home at the moment but I'll be at yours in twenty minutes," Troy answered.
"Okay, I'll see you there," she agreed ending the call and looking at Ryan with a wry smile. Ryan chuckled and shook his head, walking over and throwing an arm around her shoulders.
"Come on Gab, we've done enough for today and I don't want to be in Troy's bad books." Gabriella rolled her eyes at him. "See you at 8 tomorrow," he reminded her as they separated outside to go to their respective vehicles.
Gabriella was tucked up in bed by 10 O'clock, albeit coerced by Troy when she fell asleep against him on the couch and he'd carried her through, laying her gently on the bed before crawling in beside her wrapping an arm around her as his gentle breath brushed her cheek.
"I'm sorry Troy but I'm so…" and she was gone, her even breathing telling him she was already asleep. He sighed, pulling her closer as he too fell asleep. Gabriella awoke as the dawn was breaking, feeling refreshed but still tender in some of her leg muscles, reminding herself that she must start going to the gym again very soon, especially if there was a tour in the near future; she'd need to build up her stamina to be able to cope with all the strenuous exercise and the vigorous travelling regime. She slipped from the covers not wanting to disturb Troy as she walked into the bathroom to start her morning ablutions. She reached in the linen closet for a fresh set of towels before turning the faucet on in the shower and stripping out of her nightwear, slipping inside the glass enclosure. She let the warm water cascade down her body washing away the lethargy and waking her up for the day ahead. She jumped when two hands skimmed down her back, reaching in front to fondle her pert breasts, she smiled and backed up until she felt his hard body behind her, leaning against him as his hands massaged her, his fingers squeezing her nipples, sending shooting sparks down her body until it liquefied at her core. He removed his hands, reaching for the shower gel and squeezing it until it slid from her shoulders and dribbled down her front and back before his hands returned to her body to rub it into her skin until it lathered, suds of soap peaked at her nipples before the warm water washed it down her body. Gabriella groaned as his questing lips peppered her shoulders with wet kisses, his hands rubbed her butt before one slickly dipped beneath her, running a wet finger up her folds and touching her sensitive clitoris. She shivered in delight, pressing her butt ever firmly against him, happy when she felt his hard shaft stabbing at her thigh indicating that he too was not immune. She gasped when his finger entered her and automatically widened her stance so he could gain easier access, she felt his lips curve into a smile against her back as he inserted a second and began to move within her. She groaned again in pure ecstasy, her body trembled as delicious sensations wracked her body. Troy removed his fingers and she quickly turned, wrapped her arms around his neck, slamming her mouth on his at the same time as they ravaged each others mouth, their need spiralling out of control as Troy pushed her against the once cold tiles, pressing his body into hers, he guided his cock into her vagina with one slick thrust without removing his mouth from hers as Gabriella raised her legs and wound them round his waist resting them on his hip bone allowing deeper penetration as Troy pinned her to the wall, their lower bodies moved as one as thrust after thrust took them to paradise, the fountain of water cascaded over their passion filled bodies cooling the exterior when internally they were ablaze with desire.
"Hmm! I guess you won't want breakfast now," teased Gabriella as she wrapped a fluffy towel around her damp body after leaving the shower. Troy, a satisfied smile on his face chuckled.
"What makes you say that? For some reason I seem to have a ravenous appetite," he gloated.
"I hadn't noticed," she giggled as she removed the towel, flaunting her perfect body as she selected fresh underwear and put them on with an exaggerated wiggle of her behind, very aware that she had a spectator as Troy groaned. She giggled giving him a saucy smile over her shoulder before donning Lycra leggings and vest in navy blue finishing her ensemble with Nike trainers, ready for another exhausting but exciting day in rehearsals.
Thursday had indeed been a long hard day with Gabriella falling asleep within half an hour of reaching home. They'd arranged for another session this morning just to iron out any kinks but she felt confident that everything would work out just fine, amazingly as it seemed, within the short time frame they'd had to set it all up. Ryan had been inspirational, his enthusiasm and encouragement had passed to the cheerleaders as they gave everything they had to give to make it perfect. By midmorning they'd nailed it and Gabriella had thanked them profusely for their efforts as they'd left the studio before she too darted out rushing down to the mall to find something suitable to wear, not that she didn't have ample clothes at home but she felt like treating herself for the occasion. She bought a new pair of cut-off skinny slouch jeans from Urban Outfitters and a double bubble tank camisole in a pretty soft pink; shoes she didn't need after her recent mad shopping splurge with Sharpay, before grabbing a Subway and heading home. She laid her new purchases out on her bed then spent a relaxed couple of hours chilling before going to run a hot bath as she started her preparations for the night ahead. By the time she got out of the bath she could hear Taylor who had arrived home from work pottering about in her bedroom. She walked out of her bedroom ensconced in her robe and went into the kitchen to make a coffee for her and Taylor she hummed the song as she walked back through to Taylor's bedroom, carrying two steaming cups.
"Hey Tay, ready for tonight?" she asked with a smile as Taylor rummaged in her closet. Taylor turned and smiled in return.
"Am I ever. We're gonna whip some ass tonight," she said excitedly, "I'm really excited that you're going to be there Gabs and I think Troy will be happy too."
"I think so too. I'm glad I have an excuse to see him in action Tay, I've felt awful not being able to be there for him," Gabriella replied softly.
"He knows you're there for him Gabi, but now you can actually show him," insisted Taylor.
"Are you going with me?"
"You betcha boots I am, I want to make sure you get there," teased Taylor as Gabriella rolled her eyes, "anyway if I go down with you I can get a lift back with Chad cos I think he's driving them in tonight and Troy can get a lift back with you later."
"You have it all worked out don't you, McKessie," taunted Gabriella with a chuckle.
"But of course, I want to reward my man after all," stated Taylor making Gabriella laugh again.
"I don't need to know that Tay," protested Gabriella with a grimace as Taylor giggled.
Gabriella and Taylor left early to reach the stadium, allowing Gabriella additional time for a sound check before the crowds were let into the building. Fortunately Troy had had the foresight to leave his pass with Taylor that morning so that as they approached the environs of the Staples Center, the grid-locked traffic milling around the stadium didn't really effect them as they were waved into the back entrance and into the players car park. Even at this early hour the amount of fans littering the concourse out front was amazing, Gabriella couldn't believe it, not being of a sporting nature, she'd never realised the amount of support the team generated although she should have guessed as it was the last league game of the season, emotions were running high with expectation. Once inside they were led through to the back of the court and into a long corridor with numerous doors leading from it. Here the activity was frantic as backroom staff dashed here and there, making final preparations as they were motioned into a room close to the players' dressing rooms. Gabriella felt the flutter of nerves in her stomach even at this early stage as her and Taylor settled into chairs, the muted hum of noise infiltrated the walls, rather like the sound at a public baths.
"Don't let me get too worked up and don't let me shout," ordered Gabriella, "I'd hate to lose my voice before the interval." Taylor laughed knowing the excitement was getting to her friend.
"I'll try Gabs," she promised as the door opened and Troy slipped inside, in his warm up suit. Gabriella smiled, stood up and walked over to him.
"Hey Troy, " she greeted as she reached up for a kiss that Troy readily gave, his arms enfolding her and pulling her close, their lips melding together. Taylor clicked her tongue breaking them apart.
"Don't mind me," she teased smiling at them.
"We won't," smirked Troy dipping his head for a repeat performance.
"I just wanted to wish you good luck sweetheart, you'll knock them dead," he said confidently, "oh and I brought you something." He produced a baseball cap in the team colours and passed it to Gabriella who promptly but it on.
"I love it Troy, thanks," she replied with a grin, "Good luck yourself, Taylor tells me you're going to kick some ass, her words not mine," she added with a giggle. Troy laughed, looked over at Taylor and winked.
"We sure are," he boasted making both girls giggle as the door opened and Ryan entered.
"Sorry I have to take her away," he apologised smiling at Taylor and Troy, "ready for the sound check Gabi?" he asked.
"Yeah, I'll be with you in a minute Ryan," she promised as she hugged Troy, giving him a good luck kiss.
"Good luck Superstar, have a good game and I'll see you afterwards," she promised before following Ryan out onto the court to carry out the sound checks, waving to the cheerleaders who gathered behind her as they ran through the song and dance routine. They cheered and hollered as it went like clockwork, hugging each other in excitement.
"Good job girls, now we just need to repeat it later," encouraged Gabriella smiling at them before heading back to the room, to touch up her make-up. The volume of noise had increased considerably by the time they were led out to their courtside seats, Gabriella gazed around in wonder, enjoying the carnival atmosphere, smiling as she watched families with little kids kitted out in the uniform waving sticks around with Lakers written on them, the stadium was an ocean of gold and purple with nearly every spectator wearing something of either colour. The buzz increased as the commentators and press took their seats minutes before the master of ceremonies announced the away team, Utah Jazz, the team and officials walked onto court followed an uproarious cheer as the home team were announced. Gabriella grabbed Taylor's arm and squeezed as they bounded onto the court, each player bouncing a basketball before they shot baskets, her eyes locked on Troy as she watched him shoot a clean basket, her heart was thumping and they hadn't even started. The Referee blew the whistle to get the players into their positions, Chad walked into the centre circle opposite a Jazz player as the referee threw the ball into the air and game commenced.
Gabriella left the game with five minutes to play of the 2nd quarter to get ready for her performance; the Lakers were winning 46 to 31, she'd tried to hold back with her enthusiasm always mindful of straining her voice before her set but it had been hard. She opened the top of a waiting water bottle, letting the cool liquid slip down her throat before checking her make-up again in the mirror. She removed the baseball cap that she'd worn all through the game, she didn't want to reveal her partiality in front of the crowd although everyone would know she was a Californian native and naturally she would support the local team even if she wasn't dating the Lakers golden boy and replaced it with the microphone. Suddenly the volume of noise increased considerably indicating the interval had arrived even before Ryan poked his head around the door to tell her. She smiled, walked out of the room and followed Ryan along the corridor and into the auditorium just as the master of ceremonies announced her. She waved to all sides from the centre circle, turned waving on the cheerleaders who also wore microphones and positioned themselves behind her, nodded to Ryan to indicate they were ready and stood poised waiting for the music to seep through the speakers.
They said you wouldn't make is so far uh uh
And ever since they said it, it's been hard
But never mind the nights you had to cry
Cause you have never let it go inside
You worked real hard
And you know exactly what you want and need
So believe and you can never give up
You can reach your goals
Just talk to your soul and say…
(Chorus:)
I believe I can (I can)
I believe I will (I will)
I believe I know my dreams are real (know my dreams are real)
I believe I'll chant (Oh yea)
I believe I'll dance
I believe I'll grow real soon and (That's why)
that is what I do believe
Your goals are just a thing in your soul uh uh
And you know that your moves will let them show
You keep creating pictures in your mind
So just believe they will come true in time
It will be fine
Leave all of your cares and stress behind
Just let it go
Let the music flow inside
Forget all your pain
And just start to believe
(Chorus:)
(Music break)
Never mind what people say
Hold your head high and turn away
With all our hopes and dreams
I will believe
Even though it seems it's not for me
I won't give up I'll keep it up
Look into the sky
I will achieve all my needs
I will always believe…OoOo
(Chorus 2x)
The crowd went wild, cheering and stamping their feet as the song came to a close. Gabriella bowed to all sides before casting her arms behind her and clapping her back-up team, waving to the crowd again before leaving the court. She felt elated; her beaming smile a testament of how elated she felt as she ran towards the corner exit, she faltered when she saw the team stood in the tunnel, her eyes locked with Troy as they silently communicated, his eyes sparkling with pride and as she walked past his hand quickly grasped hers before letting go so fast that nobody could have noticed. She ran into her appointed room, picking up the bottle of water and drinking deeply before removing the microphone and replacing it with the cap, hurrying back out and slipping into her seat so that she didn't miss any of the game.
"You were amazing," gushed Taylor, "who would have guessed you could move your booty like that," she added with a smirk.
"Thanks Tay, do I take that as a compliment?" chuckled Gabriella.
"You sure do, now I know why I haven't seen much of you for the past couple of days," she commented with a giggle.
"Yeah, it was hard but fun too. Those kids worked really hard and did so well, I must make sure they get a reward," said Gabriella thoughtfully before focusing on the game.
She was enthralled, astounded by the speed and agility of not only Troy but the rest of the team as the game went from one end to the other, the Jazz put up a valiant fight but still went down 96 – 85 with Troy the highest scorer with 36 points. Gabriella and Taylor stood clapping and cheering as the final buzzer sounded, their voices a little hoarse with the amount of shouting they'd done during the tense 2nd half, they watched as the team did a lap of honour as league champions, Gabriella's heart swelled with pride for the love that poured down on the team from their supporters, knowing they'd be going to the play-offs.
"Gabriella, cooey! Gabriella." Gabriella swivelled to see Sharpay waving from behind her as she carefully made her way down the stairs.
"Hey Sharpay, I didn't know you were here," greeted Gabriella as she neared them.
"I was sat with daddy," revealed Sharpay as she wafted her blonde locks over her shoulder, nearly putting out an eye of a guy who was following her down the steps. Taylor coughed, covering her mouth to hide a titter, her eyes sparkling with mirth. Gabriella glared at her before turning back to Sharpay who was talking. "I loved your performance, it was awesome although you should have worn Armani or DVB." Her eyes casting a critical appraisal of her apparel, Gabriella rolled her eyes but kept quiet as Sharpay carried on. "You must come to Orso, we're having a celebratory meal once the guys are ready." Gabriella glanced questioningly at Taylor who was no help whatsoever as all she did was shrug her shoulders.
"I…I don't know Sharpay, I'm feeling a little tired," stammered Gabriella starting to refuse because she wasn't sure if Troy and Chad would want to go.
"Nonsense Gabi, I won't take no for an answer, we'll see you there later once you've changed," she stated walking away before Gabriella could say anything else. Taylor burst out laughing at Gabriella's startled expression.
"Shit! Did she really say I have to change? What's wrong with what I have on?" complained Gabriella as Taylor gripped her sides trying to stem her laughter.
"Tay! It's not funny, what if Troy doesn't want to go," she hissed, "and what about Chad? If I have to go then so do you." Taylor stopped laughing and gaped at her.
"No I don't," she insisted.
"Oh yes you do McKessie, you heard her, it's for the team," moaned Gabriella chewing her bottom lip nervously. "Come on let's go back to that room, hopefully Troy and Chad will come and find us when they are ready," she added as she grabbed Taylor's arm and pulled her along. Both sat in silence, chewing their bottom lip, fidgeting nervously and looking at each other apprehensively when Troy and Chad found them some fifteen minutes later.
"Wassup?" asked Chad as he walked in first and felt the tension, going over to Taylor who had jumped from her chair as the door opened, kissing her before she could answer. Gabriella ran to Troy and hugged him, leaning up to kiss him soundly.
"Did you know we were going to Orso?" demanded Taylor hand on hips as she glared at her boyfriend.
"Since when?" asked a bewildered Chad as Gabriella and Troy broke off their heated kiss.
"Oh since Sharpay invited, no ordered us to go," stated Gabriella a nervous giggle erupted from her when she thought back on the conversation. Troy laughed nervously his eyes darting between the girls as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Er…I…Zeke did say something about that in the locker room," stammered Troy, "and I kinda said we would."
"Hang on, where was I when this went down?" whined Chad moving strategically away from Taylor who was giving off warning signs of an imminent explosion.
"Where you usually are after a game, on the porcelain horse," smirked Troy as Chad blushed, the girls giggled and the atmosphere lightened.
"Oh come on, it should be fun," said Gabriella cheerfully once she knew that Troy had agreed to go. Taylor huffed but nodded walking towards the door with Chad in close attendance. "Riding with me?" she asked looking at Troy, blushing when his lips quirked into a cheeky smile.
"Don't I always," he murmured into her ear as he planted a quick peck on her cheek.