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: Wow! I don't know about you guys but I feel all my birthdays have come at once, it's either a drought or a deluge and I know which I prefer. I noticed Efron had his favourite accessory on his first sighting, which gladdened the hearts of all the ZA angels. lol! Even better news, they are getting away on a much needed break, not sure how much rest they'll get though lol!

"I always wanted my very own action man," she said dreamily as a yawn escaped her smiling lips.

Relations

Troy walked back into the bedroom smiling at the still sleeping beauty snuggled beneath the covers with just her eyes and nose poking out. He'd woken early and not wanting to disturb her, decided to go for a run; he slipped on a pair of shorts and running shirt that he must have left there at some point, picked up her keys and walked out of the apartment, taking the back way out and entering the park that divided their homes. He did a full circuit then headed back to his place to grab a shower and more importantly a change of clothes before driving back in his car, stopping at Aroma Café to pick up some raisin and cinnamon bagels for breakfast, sneaking a latte while he waited for the freshly made batch to leave the oven.

He walked over, perching on the bed he leaned over and kissed her forehead, then her cute nose, smiling when she muttered in her sleep.

"Hey sleepyhead, it's a shame to waste such a beautiful day," said Troy nudging her to which she grunted as she opened one eye to glare at him.

"Go away, I was having this lovely dream about this stud that was just coming out of the waves and now you've spoiled it," she muttered then shrieked as Troy snuck his hand beneath the covers and tickled her stomach with what seemed ice cold hands to Gabriella cocooned in her warm nest.

"That better have been me Montez," he threatened leaning forward and nipping her neck as she giggled and wriggled making the covers slip down, revealing her already pert nipples. Troy pulled away from her neck and stared into her sparkling eyes as she wrapped her arms around him and dragged his head down until their lips met in a leisurely exploration, their tongues caressing eagerly. Troy slid his hands over her stomach, zoning in on her rosy tips to knead their fullness, Gabriella groaned, tightening her grip inviting further exploration but Troy eased back, standing away from her.

"Troy," she whined giving him her best doe-eyed look but he shook his head grinning.

"Uh-oh! Come on get up, I've brought breakfast," he said temptingly before slapping her playfully on the rump and leaving the room laughing as she squealed in response. He prepared the coffee, taking down two cups in readiness, placing the bagels on a large plate and taking two smaller plates from the rack just as the coffee machine gurgled indicating it had finished brewing, he poured the steaming beverage into the cups and carried them over to the corner table, returning to collect the bagels and plates.

"Hmm! A domesticated man, I like," teased Gabriella as she walked into the kitchen in her towelling robe, wet tendrils escaped from the towel on top of her head, framing her face.

"Not too domesticated I hope," growled Troy playfully as he pulled a chair out for her to sit before seating himself, "that makes me sound like a eunuch." Gabriella giggled at his grimace.

"Rest assured Troy, you're not one of those," she said biting into a bagel, sighing in ecstasy at the taste, Troy smirked at her before wolfing down his. They were finishing their coffee when Troy's cell phone rang and he smiled as he answered.

"Hi Mom," Gabriella smiled at him, rising to clear the breakfast things away.

"Hi Troy, we watched your game last night, you played so well son," greeted his mom pride pouring down the line.

"Thanks mom, glad you enjoyed it," replied Troy.

"I saw your girlfriend singing Troy, she has a beautiful voice and so pretty too," exclaimed Lucy Bolton.

"Yeah she is," agreed Troy as he smiled at Gabriella across the kitchen.

"When are we going to meet her?" questioned Lucy. Troy raised an eyebrow at Gabriella.

"Soon," he replied.

"How soon is soon?" asked his mom not letting him off the hook, Troy sighed and moved the phone away from him.

"Mom wants to meet you and I don't think she's going to take no for an answer," Troy said to Gabriella rolling his eyes. Gabriella giggled at his expression.

"Whenever you want Troy, I'd like to meet her too. I haven't anything major on until Tuesday," replied Gabriella with a smile.

"I've got to be back by Tuesday anyway, coach has set up a rigorous training schedule from then until the playoffs. So we could go today or tomorrow?"

"Sounds good," answered Gabriella.

"Hello. Troy are you still there?"

"Yeah mom, just checking with Gabriella to see what her schedule was like," replied Troy.

"Of course honey, she must be a very busy lady," agreed Lucy with understanding.

"And I'm not I suppose," huffed Troy silently.

"We both have to be in LA on Tuesday," confirmed Troy, "we could come tomorrow," he suggested.

"Why wait that long dear, come today," enthused Lucy Bolton, "Your room is always ready as you know, you are staying over?" she posed the question that wasn't really a question.

"I guess," interjected Troy.

"Good, good, see you later Troy, I'll just go and tell your father." And she was gone.

"Looks like you'll be meeting my family later today," advised Troy wryly as Gabriella started giggling, sliding onto his lap and planting a sensual kiss on his waiting lips.

"I'm looking forward to meeting them Troy, I want to see where you get those sexy eyes from," said Gabriella with a smile.

"From my father who will no doubt have been given his orders by now," replied Troy with a wry smile making Gabriella chuckle.

"I better get dressed then," she said getting off his lap. "We are just going for today?"

"You're joking right? You'll be lucky to get away on Monday knowing my mother. Be prepared Gabi, I wouldn't be surprised if I don't see some long lost cousins tomorrow," he groaned. Gabriella packed for a two-night stay, changing into a pair of blue jeans, a camisole top in purple and a pair of flat Manolo shoes also in purple before they left to go to Troy's apartment so he could pack too.

"So you're going to meet the rents," commented Chad from the sofa.

"Yeah, I am. What are they like?" she asked.

"Mrs B is adorable and makes the best pumpkin soup in the world, coach is one awesome guy, I keep threatening to adopt them," chuckled Chad.

"Coach?" queried Gabriella.

"Yeah, he used to coach me, Troy, Zeke and Jason for our basketball team at school back in New Mexico so we've known him for years but when Troy joined the Lakers they moved to Palm Springs to be nearer and Coach became head of the physical education department at a local high school."

"So that's who he gets his love of basketball from," commented Gabriella.

"Yeah, pretty much, I think he learned to play basketball as soon as he could walk and dragged me into the game too for which I'll be forever grateful," added Chad.

"Watch out for the minx," warned Chad with a grin. Taylor who had just walked into the room glanced at Gabi who looked quizzically over at her in return.

"Who's that?" they asked together.

"Troy's sister, Amy," supplied Chad, "she's a little horror." He pretended to shudder.

"Not so little anymore Chad," advised Troy coming into the room with his bag, "but still a horror," he agreed with a smirk.

"I guess it's been a while since I've seen them," Chad said regretfully, "give them my love and try to bring a doggy bag back for me." The others burst out laughing at his single mindedness.

"Are you ready to go?" Troy asked Gabriella.

"Yeah, I'll see you Monday, Tay," she said giving her best friend a hug, "Bye Chad, oh and I'll see what I can do," she promised winking at him before following Troy out the door.

Troy drove out of LA, linking up with Interstate 10 heading east away from the built up city and towards the purple mountains in the distance, the flora and fauna giving way to more arid vegetation as they drove towards the desert oasis that is Palm Springs. They drove through Beaumont and Banning before he turned off the Interstate to join Highway 111 leading directly into the city, palm trees swayed in the breeze along the road as if waving welcome to the travellers. Troy turned off the highway and threaded his way through the suburbs before pulling into a spacious driveway at the side of a modern Bauhaus style one-story house.

"I'm nervous," whispered Gabriella looking at Troy. Troy smiled at her, grabbing her hand and squeezing it.

"There's no need to be Gabi, they'll love you," he promised leaning over to give her a reassuring kiss. They got out of the car and Troy walked to the trunk to remove their bags.

"Troy! Troy! Jack, they're here," an excited voice shouted causing Gabriella to swivel towards the voice and saw a tallish woman with reddish-auburn long hair scraped back from her smiling face, walking quickly to them, her arms outstretched to hug her son. Troy dropped the bags on the drive, hugging his mother warmly and kissing her cheek as a tall man walked out of the house looking remarkably like an older version of Troy, a broad smile split his countenance and as he drew nearer Gabriella realised where Troy got his eyes from, the same clear blue gazed warmly at her and she couldn't help but return the smile.

"Dad," said Troy hugging his father before turning to introduce Gabriella.

"Mom, Dad, this is Gabriella."

"At last, it's a real pleasure to finally meet you Gabriella," said Mrs Bolton hugging Gabi and kissing her cheek, "you're so much prettier in person if that is possible," she complimented.

"Thank you, it's lovely to meet you too, Mrs Bolton," Gabriella said in return.

"Lucy please, Mrs Bolton is my mother-in-law," Gabriella giggled, "and this is Jack," she continued holding onto Mr Bolton's arm, drawing him nearer.

"Hello Gabriella, welcome to the family," welcomed Jack Bolton who proceeded to envelop her in his arms.

"Jack, help Troy with the bags," ordered Lucy as she linked an arm with Gabriella drawing her up the drive and into the house. Gabriella wondered why she had been so nervous; the welcome from Troy's parents had been so warm and loving, she already felt like part of the family.

"Amy is playing in a tennis tournament at the club but she'll be back shortly, she'll be so surprised when she sees you, she's been so excited to meet you and it's killing her to have to keep your secret," Lucy said with a laugh as she drew Gabriella into her open plan home, the lounge was vast with plate glass windows that ran the entire length giving a view of a lush garden filled with tropical plants and trees that surrounded a kidney shaped swimming pool and well-trimmed lawn.

"I'm sorry about that, that is my fault," Gabriella started to explain but Lucy waved her explanation away.

"I understand perfectly Gabriella, when we've visited Troy the press have been so intrusive it was frightening to even walk down the street," Lucy said with a frown.

"It is scary at times, I shudder to think what it will be like if they ever find out about us. For some reason they thrive on celebrity romances," agreed Gabriella.

"Well they won't find out from us," promised Lucy, "now how about a drink?"

"I thought you'd never ask, mom," said Troy with a cheeky grin as he walked into the room with Jack close behind. Lucy gave him a look before going into the kitchen area situated to the left of the lounge with Jack following her. Troy walked up to Gabriella and wrapped his arms around her, planting a soft kiss on her lips.

"Troy, your parents are lovely, your mom is so sweet," she said softly.

"Rather like me, wouldn't you say," he teased a wide smile covered his face.

"Hmm! I'll have to get back to you on that," she teased back, giggling when he tickled her sides. Lucy came back in carrying two tall glasses with Jack close behind holding two bottles of beer; she smiled benevolently at the couple sending an intimate look at her husband. They moved out to the shaded lanai that overlooked the pool, Gabriella settled beside Troy on a padded sofa with bamboo frame while Lucy and Jack sat in matching chairs around a smoked glass table.

"We nearly came up to LA to watch the game last night but with Amy having this tennis tournament today it wasn't feasible," said Jack disappointment clearly showing on his face.

"I told him he should have gone but he wouldn't," explained Lucy giving Jack an exasperated look.

"Yeah right and I'd never have heard the last of it Luce, especially if I'd met Gabriella," he replied with a rueful grin. Troy chuckled and nodded.

"He's right mom, you'd have gone ballistic," reiterated Troy smirking at his mom.

"Troy! I would not…" she gasped blushing as Jack and Troy stared her down, "ok well maybe I would," she amended with a smile. "See what I have to put up with Gabriella, it's a wonder I haven't turned grey with these two," she said with exasperation in her voice although she smiled broadly looking lovingly at her two men. A door banged in the distance.

"Mom, is that Troy's car?" shouted an excited voice growing ever nearer as running steps could be heard followed by a shriek as a whirlwind burst through the doorway and launched itself on Troy, hugging him round the neck. Gabriella watching Troy's astonished expression burst out laughing with Jack and Lucy joining in as he tried to extricate himself from the tangle of arms around his neck.

"Hey Bro, it's good to see you," she said disentangling her arms from around his neck.

"Yeah likewise Squirt," Troy said wryly but was drowned out by Amy when she spotted Gabriella and screamed.

"Oh my god! It's…it's…Gabriella," Amy stuttered her mouth gaping like a fish. Troy burst out laughing at his sister.

"Well that's a first," he smirked. Amy turned hands on hips glaring at him.

"What is?" she demanded.

"You lost for words, sure wish I'd videoed that cos Chad will never believe me," he taunted. She scowled at him then punched him on the arm as the others burst out laughing.

"I hate you," she announced tossing her blonde hair at him. "Anyway Chad loves me." Gabriella giggled remembering what Chad had said.

"Hi, you must be Amy," Gabriella said taking pity on the girl.

"That's me," said Amy grinning at her, "I can't believe you're actually here in our house. I love your music," she gushed blushing madly when Troy and Jack guffawed.

"Thank you and I'm glad to finally get to meet you," replied Gabriella with a smile as Amy perched on the arm of the sofa next to Troy, staring at Gabriella with awe as the general chitchat resumed with Lucy bringing Troy up to date with people he knew, then Troy and Jack recapped on the game while Lucy questioned Gabriella about her work.

"Cat got your tongue, Dimple?" Troy teased Amy when a lull occurred in the conversation at which Amy punched him in the arm again.

"You promised you wouldn't call me that any more," she groaned scowling at him.

"Yeah well old habits die hard," chuckled Troy, "and will you quit punching me, that arm still has a lot of work to do if we're going to win the championship."

"Hey you two, behave yourselves," warned Lucy with a twinkle in her eye. "Amy, shouldn't you be getting changed, dinner won't be too long," hinted Lucy casting a glance over Amy's tennis kit.

"I guess," she muttered, "you'll still be here when I get back?" she asked looking at Gabriella beseechingly. Gabriella smiled and nodded bringing a beaming smile to the young girl's face before she walked back into the house. Lucy excused herself saying she had to check on the roast and Gabriella followed her into the spacious kitchen to offer her services.

Chad was right for once but then it was related to food so Gabriella shouldn't have been surprised; Lucy was an excellent cook, the meat was succulent, the vegetables cooked just how Gabriella liked them, not too soft and not too hard, the conversation informative and entertaining as Amy and Troy sparred like brothers and sisters tended to do making Gabriella giggle and yet feel that she had missed out on something special, being an only child.

"Fancy a game of golf in the morning?" Jack asked Troy, hope shining in his eyes.

"I might," Troy replied looking at Gabriella.

"You go, I'll be fine," insisted Gabriella, "maybe Amy can show me around the shops?" she posed the question after having an in-depth discussion about fashion with Amy over dinner, only for Amy to squeal in delight.

"You bet, Gabi. We have some great shops here, don't we mom? I can't wait to show them to you," she said excitedly. "Wow! I'm going shopping with Gabriella Montez." Troy and Jack burst out laughing as Lucy rose and began collecting the plates. Gabriella stood up and helped Lucy and Amy to clear the table but was shooed away when she offered to wash up.

"You okay?" asked Troy as he came to stand behind her at the window, wrapping his arms around her waist as Gabriella looked out into lit garden; she leaned against his warm body feeling secure and loved.

"I'm fine, I like your parents, Troy, and Amy is adorable," said Gabriella.

"Hey! I wouldn't go that far, Amy and adorable? Nah, I can't see it," he refuted with a chuckle. "Are you sure you don't mind if I play golf with Dad?" he questioned. Gabriella turned in his arms smiling up at him.

"Of course I don't, I'm going to have fun doing what I do best after all," she teased, a giggle escaping through her lips.

"Don't remind me," he groaned rolling his eyes at her before bending down to capture her lips in a gentle kiss that heated up as she couldn't resist slipping her tongue into his mouth, deepening the kiss. "Hmm! I think I've shared you for long enough," he murmured against her lips.

"Aw! Is someone feeling neglected," she teased her eyes sparkling with amusement as she gazed into his, gasping as he pulled her against his frame.

"Yeah someone is, can't you feel him?" he replied huskily grinding his hips against her revealing his need.

"Shame I can't help you out," she said with a sigh. Troy's mouth fell open in astonishment.

"What do you mean? Of course you can," he groaned.

"What do we say to your parents, Troy?" Gabriella asked worriedly.

"Tell them you have a headache," he suggested hopefully at which Gabriella giggled.

"Bolton, you are so bad," she scolded.

"I've not heard you complaining, Montez," he shot back with a smirk, "Go on, you know you want to." Just then Lucy and Jack walked through from the kitchen with a pot of coffee and cups on a tray and Troy groaned, which fortunately only Gabriella heard. She sent him a sympathetic glance, settling onto the sofa and accepting the proffered cup of steaming coffee from Lucy as Troy flopped down beside her with a frustrated sigh. Lucy handed him a cup before pouring one for her and Jack who had sat on the opposite sofa.

"Where did Amy go?" asked Gabriella.

"Oh one of her friends called her so she'll be on the phone for hours," Lucy answered with a wry smile as Jack laughed. Gabriella sipped her drink, feeling Troy squirm beside her she couldn't help but smile knowing how horny he was for her; she pondered her options but thought the headache excuse was a tad lame and pretty obvious. She found the perfect get out when she yawned unexpectedly.

"I'm sorry, we had a late night last night," she apologised to his parents.

"No problem Gabriella, Troy, show Gabriella where to go," ordered his mom and no sooner were the words out of her mouth then Troy was up of the sofa, pulling Gabriella to her feet. She managed to wish his parents a goodnight with Troy mumbling the same as an afterthought before he was pushing her through the lounge and down a long hallway through end door into what seemed to be his bedroom.

"Troy, for god's sake, you can't be that horny," moaned Gabriella before he slammed her against the wall.

"You want to bet," he smirked before slamming his mouth down on hers, thrusting his hips against her body showing her just how horny he was. Gabriella groaned, reaching up to pull him even nearer, her mouth opened to allow him deeper access as Troy slipped his hands under her top to touch her bare back.

"Troy! We can't, they'll hear us," she gasped as they broke away, "and what about Amy?" she added as she nibbled her bottom lip. Troy huffed, running his hand through his hair.

"Don't worry about them, Amy's bedroom is at the other end of the corridor while Mom and Dad have the room on the opposite side so they won't hear anything," promised Troy trying to convince her, his eyes pleading, "anyway it will be your fault if there's any noise," he added a mischievous smirk on his face.

"Excuse me!" Gabriella pouted.

"Yeah, you'll just have to lay off the screaming," he teased pulling her to him again slamming his lips back onto hers as she started to protest, his touch driving all rational thought out of Gabriella's mind as his lips and hands worked their magic. Troy slid the thin straps of her camisole top off her shoulders to rain soft kisses over each shoulder as it became bare following the line of material downwards until he felt the rise of her breast beneath his mouth, grunting in satisfaction when he'd nudged the material down further until a rosy peak poked out, latching onto his prize eagerly. Gabriella gasped but was determined to enjoy the slow burn he was creating throughout her body silently, pulling his shirt over his head swiftly to let her hands traverse his torso in an effort to distract her from his questing lips; it wasn't working very well as she bit her lip to stop her from crying out in pleasure. Troy nudged her hips forcing her back towards the waiting sleigh bed, her breath left her body in a whoosh as she fell backwards onto the soft bedding with Troy landing on top of her.

Troy flipped off her shoes, undid her jeans and pulled them down quickly, taking her briefs with them.

"Not fair, you have more clothes on," moaned Gabriella softly making Troy smirk, he stood up, shedding his clothes in double quick time.

"Better?" he teased posing beside the bed with a hand on his hip and one behind his head. Gabriella burst out laughing although her eyes were devouring him as he stood there in all his glory, her need clearly apparent for him to see with her hard pert nipples begging for attention, she licked her dry lips and he groaned at the erotic gesture, moving to stand between her legs. Gabriella sat up, her hand reaching out to stroke his erect rod, the soft hair tickled her hand as she reached the base before she encased it within her palm, bending her head she guided him into her waiting mouth, enclosing her lips around the tip sucking him further inside, her tongue flicking around the hard stem, Troy groaned at her ministrations, wanting to pleasure her as much as she was pleasuring him, he reached out to fondle her clitoris, running his finger gently down her wet folds. Gabriella jumped, squeezing him tightly with her mouth when he inserted a finger into her, Troy gasped at the sensation that shot through his shaft, knowing he was so near to ejaculation. He pushed her back on the bed and placing his knees between her legs he plunged his cock into her waiting warmth, his body pushing her into the mattress as he lay on top of her, her legs quickly enfolded his waist, her arms wrapped around his neck pulling his lips down to hers as they moved in rhythm, her hips rising to meet each of his thrusts. The pleasure began building, climbing, sending them soaring to a higher plain that only lovers reach; Troy yelped as Gabriella's teeth bit into his shoulder, her tightened walls, the tremors that wracked her frame the only other indications that she had reached her orgasm as he felt his own body reach the pinnacle, groaning as he spilled his seed into her moist cavern. Troy pushed his damp body off Gabriella, flopping down on his back next to her, his chest heaving as he tried to control his breathing.

"What the hell was that?" asked Troy turning sideways and leaning his head on his hand as he leaned over Gabriella. "Are you a secret vampire?"

Gabriella giggled softly leaning forward to kiss the mark she'd left on his shoulder, "Nah, just making a point." Troy shot a puzzled look at her, "I'm not the only one who's vocal in the throes of passion," she said with a satisfied smile.