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: If you haven't already checked it out, why not pop along the ZA angels dot com forum. I don't know about you guys but I was super excited last night to see the pics of Zac and Vanessa at the TCA Awards, I'm still hyperventilating over that hug.
"Bloody Margaritas," was his last coherent thought.
Sledgehammer
Gabriella groaned, rolling onto her side to avoid the bright sunbeam glaring in her face, her mouth felt like the Sahara Desert and there was a little man inside her brain tapping away, she swore she could hear rain pitter-pattering on the ground but how could that be when the sun was baking the room with its sweltering heat. Suddenly the rain stopped to be replaced by off-key whistling that grated in her eardrums, adding to the pain inside her head.
"Morning, Beautiful," Troy shouted cheerfully coming into the room with a towel wrapped around his waist, his chest carrying droplets of water, his hair darkened by the water. Gabriella forced an eyelid open to stare at him with one bleary eye and even in her delicate state she could appreciate his athletic physique, "How are you feeling this morning?" he questioned in the same tone as before, sitting on the mattress to look at her.
"I'm not sure but could you stop shouting," she muttered thickly, closing her eye again and scrunching up her face.
"I'm not shouting, Gabi, but I think you better lay off Margaritas from now on," Troy advised with a smirk.
"Thanks for the advice, Dr Phil, now leave me alone to die," she muttered dramatically.
"No can do, Sweetheart. I'm not letting you die, at least not today," he teased with a chuckle receiving a wan smile in return. "Come on, go and get a shower, it will make you feel better. I'll get you some Aspirin and a glass of water for your hangover." Gabriella groaned, pushing her body into a sitting position only to have the room revolve around her, her hand moving to rub her temple.
"Ugh! Are you sure I'm not dying cos it sure feels like it," she whispered glaring at Troy when he let out another chuckle, he slid his arm around her and helped her to her feet, guiding her towards the bathroom, flinging his towel off his waist he walked into the shower enclosure with her, closing the door before pressing the button to release the rivulets of warm water. Gabriella sighed as the water hit her shoulders and trailed down her back as Troy lathered her with soap, his hands gentle in their ministrations sparking life into her languid limbs as his hands coaxed and massaged each inch of her soothing away some of her pain. He gently washed her hair, his fingers knowingly kneading all her tension spots without even being told, the hammers in her head receded to a dull throb by the time he switched off the faucet. He carried her into the bedroom, wrapping a fluffy towel around her and gently rubbed her body dry.
"I know I've said it before but your fingers are magic, thanks Troy, I feel so much better now," she said lifting her face and planting a soft kiss on his lips. Troy smiled against her mouth returning the kiss more firmly before releasing her to get another towel for him.
"I'm glad, I couldn't have you dying on me, having seen the state of you, I daren't venture out of here on my own just in case mom is worse," he admitted with a wry grin. Gabriella pouted, sending him a glare.
"So I'm your back up, am I?" she squawked.
"Well…I was thinking more…front up, if you go first, I…I'll follow behind," he stammered his eyes pleading with her silently. Gabriella started giggling at his audacity, the twinkle in his eyes belying how scared he was especially when his lips curved slowly into his trademark grin.
"You pig, I thought you were serious for a minute," scolded Gabriella.
"Who says I'm not, it's been a while since I've seen mom with a hangover," he said, "and she might blame me," he added with a grin before going to the closet to select his clothes. Gabriella giggled, the thought of her man being scared of his mom sounded ludicrous especially when she knew how sweet Lucy was but if she was feeling anything like she was when she woke up, she had Gabriella's sympathy, not everyone had their own magician after all.
Dressed in a long brown gypsy skirt and a cream scooped-neck blouse, her feet clad in soft brown leather boots, Gabriella preceded Troy down the hall into the lounge to find Lucy sat, holding a cup with the morning newspaper open, her eyes however were not reading the printed word but staring vacantly into the garden. She could see Jack in the kitchen area and by the clunking and clattering could only presume he was making breakfast which was confirmed seconds later with a sizzle as something hit the pan.
"Good morning," Gabriella said softly aware that if Lucy felt anything like she had earlier, she'd appreciate her tone more. Lucy started then looked up at them offering a wan smile in return.
"Morning, Gabriella, how are you today?" she greeted her in the same tone.
"Better now, if you'd asked me that an hour ago I would have said, dying," Gabriella replied with a smile as she sat beside Lucy. Lucy nodded her head in agreement.
"I know," agreed Lucy, "I feel like the coyotes have set up home in my head." Troy chuckled at that but received a glare in response. "Why did you keep buying them?" demanded Lucy scowling at her son.
"Why did you keep drinking them?" shot back Troy with a smirk, earning a warning look and a shake of the head from Gabriella. Jack who had just walked in from the kitchen with a tray heard Troy's remark and grinned at his wife.
"He has a point, Luce," he commented putting the tray on the table handing her two tablets and a glass of water.
"Maybe, but please don't let me have one again," ordered Lucy. Jack poured the coffee and passed a cup to Gabriella and Troy.
"I'll drink to that," agreed Gabriella with feeling lifting her cup to her lips. Jack and Troy rolled their eyes then burst out laughing while Gabriella and Lucy glared balefully at them. "Is something burning?" Gabriella queried with a frown causing Jack to groan and sprint back to the kitchen; Lucy and Gabriella looked at each other and burst out laughing. After eating breakfast, Gabriella was relieved to find some color had returned to Lucy's cheeks, her demeanour more like the Lucy she'd met two days ago. Amy, Gabriella discovered, had already left for college but had left strict instructions for them not to leave before she got home, Jack, on the other hand, was just about to go to work which left Troy and Gabriella with Lucy. Gabriella cleared the table, ignoring Lucy's protests while Troy stacked the dishwasher and made a fresh pot of coffee before they settled back down to chat, Troy bringing Lucy up to date with some of the social happenings amongst his friends, telling her of their forthcoming trip to Lava Springs, making her laugh with some of Chad's misdemeanours.
"Do you want to come out with us today, mom?" asked Troy with a warm smile.
"No thanks, Troy, I've got a couple of errands to run then I want to do some baking," Lucy revealed with a smile. "I don't feel up to staying out in the sun too long."
"Okay, mom, see you later," he responded kissing her cheek before walking out with Gabriella only to nip back in to grab a couple of jackets.
Troy drove through Palm Springs to Chino Canyon on the North edge of the town, pulling into the parking lot for the aerial tramway, he smirked when Gabriella's eyes grew wide as she watched a car leave the station rising as if by magic up the sheer cliff face. He collected the jackets from the back seat as they exited the car.
"Are you sure it's safe?" she queried with a frown. Troy chuckled.
"Of course it is, it's been running for 45 years, Gabi, with new cars fitted in 2000, you've got to see it to believe it. Are you game?" he challenged his eyes daring her to refuse as he held out his hand.
"Yeah, I'm game," she replied with a grin, her hand clasping his tightly, interlinking their fingers as they made their way to the ticket office, they had a wait of 20 minutes so Troy and Gabriella strolled around the gift shop, stopping to purchase bottles of water and a map showing the trails available once they reached the summit. Two small boys who had shyly followed them around the shop asked Troy for an autograph and Gabriella had stood to one side, smiling proudly at her man as he conversed with them, adoration shone in the kids eyes before they scampered off back to their waiting parents. Troy grabbed her hand, pulling her out of the shop and towards the tram station.
"You're amazing," said Gabriella kissing his cheek.
"I know, but it's good to hear you say it," he said smugly earning a thump on the arm.
"Hey, what was that for, I was only agreeing with you," he moaned rubbing his arm.
"I know but I don't want you getting too complacent," she shot back with a grin.
"No chance of that with you," he muttered his face breaking into a smile when she giggled. "Come on, let's see how you are with heights, Montez." They entered the small waiting room that held a 3-D model of the mountain, waiting for the next tramcar to arrive, watching as it grew nearer and nearer until it docked and released a couple of passengers before they were allowed to board with seven other people, the doors closed, the car shuddered as it left its moorings and Gabriella grabbed the railing that ran around the middle of the window, Troy stood behind her resting his hands on the bar on either side of her, enclosing her within the safety of his arms. Gabriella stared out of the window and watched the town of Palm Springs grow smaller until it was just a dot as the car rose into the air. Passing through the first tower the car lurched, swinging wildly to and fro, defying gravity and Gabriella's heart leapt into her mouth, Troy, wonderful, caring Troy, pulled her back against him, his arms tightening around her, giving comfort and calming her as his lips grazed her neck as it righted itself and continued on its way. Troy pointed out landmarks like the airport that was clearly discernable from their vantage point, and as they got higher, the panorama grew offering views of the Coachella Valley and beyond to the Salton Sea. The temperature grew cooler as the air thinned but Gabriella welcomed the coolness after the heat from below only shivering slightly when they exited the car. Troy handed Gabriella her jacket that she gratefully accepted, glad that he had had the foresight to bring it before leading her out of the station, stopping when they reached the first vantage point outside the Peaks restaurant for him to consult the map while Gabriella rested her hands on the rail to look at the valleys below and the mountain peaks visible in the distance. She took a sip of the water, turning to watch the concentration on Troy's face as he tried to work out which route to take, looking up he smirked when he caught her staring.
"Have you decided which way to go, Indy?" Gabriella asked with a grin. Troy kinked an eyebrow.
"Ha! Ha! Funny, Montez," acknowledged Troy with an evil glint, "better be careful, who knows when I may need to release my whip," he taunted.
"Sounds interesting, Bolton," Gabriella chuckled, "Its good to know you're prepared for any eventuality."
"Oh I'm always prepared, you never know what surprises are around the corner," he taunted holding his hand out to her, "Let's go, I think we should follow Long Valley Discovery Trail, it says its reasonably easy with the chance of seeing some of the animals that live on the mountain." Gabriella threaded her fingers through his, their steps aligned as they left civilisation following the marked trail posts. The air was so much cleaner up in the mountains and although the sun shone, the temperature was several degrees cooler making hiking, or in their case, walking more comfortable.
"It's hard to believe that this is right on your parents doorstep, it's truly beautiful and so peaceful," said Gabriella in wonder as they walked along the defined path, only the sound of birds in the trees could be heard.
"Yep, and tonight we're back in the mad world of LA," groaned Troy pulling her close and wrapping his arm around her shoulder.
"I know but it's good to know we can escape to a place like this," replied Gabriella with a smile. "Ooh! Look, is that a deer," she said suddenly pointing between two trees to a small clearing. They stood in silence watching the timid animal until something spooked it and it skittered, leaping out of sight. "Aw! That was so cute," she gasped thrilled to be able to watch the creature in it's natural habitat as they continued up the trail, passing a family with two small children walking the other way, apart from them they hadn't seen another solitary person. They stopped at a rocky outcrop that gave a scenic overview of the valley below and a panoramic view of the desert vista beyond. Gabriella leaned against the safety railing drinking in the landscape, taking one of the water bottles from Troy she let the cooling liquid trickle down her throat, jumping slightly when Troy wrapped his hands around her, pulling her back against his length, gasping when his lips skidded across her neck as she tilted her head to the side to allow him easier access, chills of excitement ran down her spine when he found her sweet spot, his hands slid beneath her blouse to caress her bare midriff rising to capture her blossoming breasts in his hands. Gabriella moaned as tingles soared through her when Troy kneaded her breasts, teasing and tweaking her tenderised nipples. She pressed her back firmly against him, smiling when she felt his hard on pressing against her thigh, letting her know without words that he was as aroused as her. Troy slid his right hand down her side, over her hips to feel her butt, continuing down her thigh, muttering at the length of her skirt as he tried to push the material up to reach the prize beneath, grunting with satisfaction when he finally succeeded. He caressed her silken clad derriere, teasing her as his fingertips went a fraction lower each time he rubbed it until he skimmed her vulva through the material. Gabriella's breath hitched in her throat when she felt his fingers stroke her extremely moist center, even going so far as to spread her legs wider to allow him easier access.
"Is this where your whip comes out," she whispered huskily, a sexy giggle bubbling to the surface as she put her hand behind her back to rub it against the bump in his pants, smirking when Troy yelped.
"Uh-oh! This is where the whip goes in," he replied slipping his finger under the rim of her briefs to run it along her wet folds, teasing her clit until she trembled with desire, her senses heightened to fever pitch when Troy inserted his finger to stroke her tender spot.
"Oh god, Troy, please," she begged starting to turn around, needing to feel his lips on hers and him deep inside her.
"No, stay like that," ordered Troy as he removed his finger, quickly snapping open his pants and pulling his whip from its holster.
"Bend over the rail a bit," he ordered as he pulled her briefs to one side guiding his erection into her, rocking as he adjusted his position of entry, holding her hips in place as he plunged deep inside. Gabriella moaned, loving the position, his strokes fast and sure brushed against her G-spot, building her senses to a crescendo that sent her to the edge of reason, her heart thumped in her chest, her stomach clenched and she closed her eyes as waves of ecstasy rolled over her, sending her trembling body tumbling into the abyss, her muscles clenched around him as she cried out, her breathing laboured, his hoarse gasp followed a minute later as he trembled against her, his movements jerky as he spilled his seed inside her. He rested his head on her shoulder, trying to get his breath back when Gabriella jerked her head to the side.
"Shit! Someone's coming," she murmured seconds before a couple of hikers walked up to the rail.
"Morning," the man said cheerfully, "or should I say afternoon," he corrected looking down at his watch.
"Hello," replied Troy calmly sending them a smile as he tightened his arms around Gabriella in warning.
"You've picked a lovely spot to rest," the hiker commented smiling at them.
"Yeah, we like it," confirmed Troy.
"Have a good day," the hiker added as he and his companion walked off along the trail. Troy's shoulders shook as he tried to retain his laughter failing miserably when Gabriella let out a relieved giggle.
"Oh my god! That was close. Do you think they saw anything?" she asked worriedly as Troy withdrew from her, releasing her waist to set his clothing straight allowing Gabriella to adjust her own clothing.
"I shouldn't think so, I can't imagine he'd have been that cheerfully if he knew what we were about," reassured Troy letting out a nervous laugh at the situation they nearly found themselves in. "I guess we simply looked like a couple enjoying the view."
"I was dumbstruck and there's you acting as cool as a cucumber," she gasped.
"Hey! I'll have you know my cucumber is not cool," he refuted pulling her in for a hug, "in fact around you it's pretty hot," he added joining in with Gabriella's burst of laughter, releasing the pent up tension they'd both felt. They continued on the trail that led back to the tram terminal and Peaks restaurant where they ate a Tramcar Burger for lunch before catching the tramcar back down to Palm Springs.
"I guess that's what you call love on a mountaintop," Gabriella mused looking at Troy with a satisfied smile as they exited the car in front of his parents house. Troy glanced at her over the roof, his eyes twinkled in merriment and a broad grin split his face as he let out a chuckle.
They had wanted to leave before the rush hour traffic but Lucy insisted they had to stay until after dinner, coaxing them with the delicious aromas that wafted into the lounge from the kitchen and to be honest they hadn't needed too much persuasion, after all LA was only a two hour drive away. The roast beef dinner had been delicious, the key lime pie sinfully good, better Gabriella decided, than any she'd tasted in a restaurant and well worth the delay. Now Gabriella knew why Chad had extolled Lucy's cooking, it was truly sublime. After dinner, Gabriella helped Lucy to clear away while Troy loaded up the car, she then made a quick to visit the bathroom before they set off.
"I'm so glad you've found her Troy, she's totally adorable and I can see that she makes you happy," Lucy said giving her son an approving look.
"I'm kinda glad I found her too, mom," he replied with a smile, kissing her cheek. Once Gabriella returned they walked out to the car, the Bolton family following to say their goodbyes.
"You must come back soon, Gabi, it's been so good to finally meet you and remember our home is your home," said Lucy giving the petite brunette a hug and kiss on the cheek before relinquishing her to allow Jack and Amy to hug her too.
"Hey Gabi, hang on I've got something for you to give to Chad," said Lucy running back into the house returning minutes later with a cool bag, "I can't have the poor man starving to death," she added as she passed it over.
"Fat chance of that, mom," drawled Troy with a smirk, "and if he thinks he's getting all the goodies, he's sadly mistaken," muttered Troy, his eyes gleaming in anticipation when he peered inside the bag. Gabriella rolled her eyes then burst out laughing with Lucy. "Hey, there's not just Chad that appreciates my mom's cooking."
"Don't forget, dad, if you want to come up for one of the play-offs give me a call and I'll sort out some tickets," shouted Troy, "In fact, you should all come for a weekend soon," he added as Gabriella got into the car. Troy started the engine and they waved before driving off down the road.
Mad world was an understatement for LA. Troy shot off to practise sessions each day, arriving back home shattered each evening, fit only for food and sleep. Gabriella had started back at the gym, using the expertise of the in-house trainer to devise a series of exercises to build up her stamina and tone her body in readiness for the strenuous touring schedule that was imminent. Her days were filled with magazine interviews, meetings with Caroline and the companies she had chosen to endorse their products and meetings with the record company. Talks of the impending tour were growing in intensity as the PR department tried to arrange viable dates with the promoters at the various venues around the country, dates were pencilled in then scrubbed out as the timeframe between certain cities were not compatible. Gabriella groaned with frustration, wondering if it would ever be resolved and on top of all that they wanted to release another single prior to the tour which meant arranging another video shoot; by Friday evening, and after long unproductive meetings, she was ready to pull her hair out, the only thing keeping her upbeat was the thought of disappearing for the weekend with Troy and her friends; a weekend to relax and unwind; a weekend of pampering before the stresses of the real world took over her life once more.
"Hey, Gabi, you look stressed," said Taylor by way of greeting when Gabriella walked into the apartment.
"I am, sometimes I wish I was a receptionist or a check-out girl," groaned Gabriella wearily.
"Yeah right, I can just see you asking people if they want help with their packing," chuckled Taylor, "besides it would be sacrilege to hide that beautiful voice," she mused thoughtfully.
"Yeah well right at this moment it sounds like heaven," grumbled Gabriella sinking onto the sofa with a sigh.
"Come on Gabi, those girls are sat doing their jobs wishing they were you," reasoned Taylor with a grin, "and they don't even know about your fringe benefits."
"I guess…wait…what fringe benefits?" asked Gabriella frowning at Taylor.
"Bolton, for one," supplied Taylor with a smirk. Gabriella smiled dreamily.
"Ah yes, there is that," agreed Gabriella smiling broadly at her friend, "Aargh! I'm so looking forward to this weekend," she groaned rotating her neck to relieve some tension, "I want the works, pedicure, manicure, a body wrap, exfoliation, massage, whatever they've got I'm trying," announced Gabriella, "Maybe they will relieve some of the stress."
"Now you're talking, sister," said Taylor nodding enthusiastically, "although I know something that does that much closer to home and its more enjoyable," she added throwing a cheeky grin at Gabriella, laughing when Gabriella blushed.
"Have you worked out what you're going to say to Sharpay?" asked Taylor.
"Not yet, I haven't had time to breath let alone think. I guess I need to talk to Troy about it," shrugged Gabriella, "I'm going for a shower."
The next morning at 8 o'clock Chad drove Taylor, Gabriella and Troy to Burbank airport, to meet up with the rest of the team and invited guests for the flight to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Gabriella was relieved that Sharpay had chosen Burbank to fly from, just the thought of getting caught in the frenzy that surrounded LAX gave her nightmares with the paparazzi putting their own spin on what they captured on camera, she was sure the gossip columns would have a field day writing their made up stories on what was going down with the Lakers team. Ryan, Kelsi, Jason and Martha were already there when the four arrived along with rest of the team, the only people that appeared to be missing were Sharpay and Zeke.
"Hey guys," greeted Troy as they walked over to the group, "where's Sharpay?" Ryan smirked.
"You know what's she's like, always wants to make the grand entrance," he shrugged. At that moment a white limousine pulled up beside them and Sharpay climbed out followed by Zeke.
"Hey guys, is everyone here?" she asked, her eyes scanning the group.
"All present and accounted for, Shar, apart from the plane," replied Ryan wryly. Sharpay's eyes narrowed and Ryan took refuge in backing away.
"Hmpf! We'll see about that," she announced pulling her hot pink phone out of her pocket and dialling a number as she walked away from the group. Troy raised an eyebrow smirking at Ryan and Chad.
"Don't tell me Sharpay Evans has cocked up," he mocked his eyes widening at the warning look on Chad and Ryan's faces seconds before a sharp talon stabbed his shoulder blade.
"No, Bolton, Sharpay has not cocked up," she announced when he swung around in alarm.
"Sure looks like it to me, Shar, unless I'm mistaken we need a plane to get there," he taunted with a grin. Sharpay just gave him a knowing smile.
"What's that then, Troy, a mirage?" she replied sarcastically pointing to a dot in the sky that grew bigger and bigger as they watched the Lear jet approach the airport. Taylor and Chad burst out laughing at Troy's startled expression, his mouth hanging open in shock as the plane taxied down the runway, it's engines drowning out any comment Troy made. Sharpay left his side, walking over the tarmac to talk to the steward who had walked down the lowered steps; the steward opened the cargo hold and began loading the luggage while Sharpay waved the group forward to board. Troy looked at Gabriella to give her a wry smile as they walked side by side to the waiting aircraft. Sharpay stood at the top directing her guests their seats, a secret smile playing around her lips when she spotted Troy and Gabriella enter the cabin.
"Gabi, I thought you would prefer to sit near Taylor," she stated pointing to the empty row behind Taylor and Chad, Gabriella smiled and did as directed sitting in the window seat, giggling seconds later when Troy landed on top of her as Sharpay pushed him into the vacant space before strutting back to sit with Zeke.
"Sorry Gabi, are you okay?" he asked with concern as he pushed off her slumping into the seat beside her.
"I'm fine, Troy, A bit obvious, isn't she?" asked Gabriella with a giggle.
"Yeah, like a sledgehammer but I'm not complaining, I'm where I want to be," he said softly, smiling at her, his hand brushing against her midriff as he fastened her seatbelt before doing his own just as the engines came to life.