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. Neither do I confess to owning the songs by Whitney Houston, Gershwin and Gabrielle, I'm just borrowing them lol!

A/N: It's not been a good week. I was busily typing away and had nearly finished the next chapter of Living the Dream on Wednesday when my stupid computer decided to shut down and wouldn't come back on so I'm afraid there will be a delay with that story. To say I was pissed is an understatement. On a good note I had already sent this to Kristen for proofing so I managed to get this one back. Having bought a new pc because I couldn't wait for my old one to be fixed if it can be, fingers crossed, I am starting out with nothing and slowly building up all my links and such which is a laborious task. You don't realise how much crap we use in the course of a day. I am having fun building up my music favourites all over again. All I can say is thank god for my little black box of storage lol!

"Bullshit!" jeered Sharpay, "but as you're here you can make yourselves useful and get the drinks in," she ordered, "a bottle of champagne, I think."

My Shining Star

There was a lull in conversation when the four of them entered the dining room, swift enquiring glances passed between Taylor and Chad and Ryan and Kelsi, each wondering how this had come about. Gabriella and Troy sat opposite Taylor and Chad respectively as Chad cocked an enquiring eyebrow at Troy while Taylor mouthed "how" at Gabriella who shrugged her shoulders and smirked at Taylor who frowned warning retribution if she didn't dish the dirt. Sharpay was effervescent ensuring her guests enjoyed their meal, keeping the conversation around the table lively and animated, the atmosphere relaxed and carefree, in fact she was the epitome of a hostess. She ordered champagne and stood to make a toast to the team, wishing them good luck in the play-offs that started the following Friday. As they reached the coffee stage Taylor kicked Gabriella under the table, jerking her head towards the door, her eyes ordering her to the ladies cloakroom. Gabriella sent her an amused grin but nodded her agreement, standing and excusing herself from the table before walking out of the room.

"Okay, out with it, how did you pull that off?" demanded Taylor as soon as they were inside the wash room. Gabriella grinned and went into a stall. Taylor huffed in frustration. "Come on you can pee and talk, I know you can, I've seen you." Gabriella giggled.

"God I hope not, Tay,"

"Oh you know what I mean," moaned Taylor.

"I take it you saw what happened to Troy?" questioned Gabriella. Taylor burst out laughing.

"Uh huh! It was pretty spectacular. I have to say it was the highlight of the weekend. Sharpay sure doesn't take any prisoners," agreed Taylor amusement lacing her voice. Gabriella flushed the toilet and stepped out of the stall scowling at her friend.

"When he came back like a drowned rat I decided maybe the sight of Troy was like a red rag to a bull so I decided to try and reason with her, you know woman to woman and it worked," she finished simply.

"H…but what did you say," probed Taylor.

"The truth. I find that always works best," shrugged Gabriella drying her hands. "It's like you said, Tay, she really is happy that we're together just pissed that we didn't tell her which I guess is understandable, after all you felt the same," she explained as she refreshed her lip-gloss. "You using the facilities or did you just want the low-down," smirked Gabriella pausing in her application and arching a delicate eyebrow at Taylor through the mirror. Taylor glared at her through the same reflector before disappearing behind a lacquered door.

"Well I'm glad she knows, hell I'm glad everyone knows now," commented Taylor when she reappeared and crossed to the basins.

"Me too," agreed Gabriella with feeling. "It will make our lives a bit easier, that's for sure."

"At least I don't have to be on tenterhooks looking out for Chad putting his size tens in his mouth any more. It can be very wearing," moaned Taylor. Gabriella giggled linking arms with Taylor as they walked back to the dining room.

"Oh good you're back," said Sharpay, "we're moving into the salon," she stated rising from the table with the rest following suit. Gabriella waited for Troy smiling when he put his arm around her shoulders and squeezed her close into his body, brushing his lips against her forehead before trailing after the others. The salon turned out to be the Sunday name for the bar they were in before. Sharpay ordered another bottle of champagne for the ladies while the guys plumped for beer. They sat on the long sofas that created a U-shape allowing for easy and relaxed conversation. A few of the guys stayed at the bar discussing, what else, but basketball and the up coming games. Kelsi looked longingly through the archway at the gleaming grand piano taking pride of place in the center of the floor close to the bar.

"All in good time, Kelsi," promised Sharpay her eagle eyes noticing Kelsi's rapt expression, "let's have a few drinks first then maybe we can get a karaoke session going when everyone has loosened up. Who's up for that?" she asked looking around her assembled guests, Martha, Kelsi, Samantha, the coach's wife, Ryan and Chad put their hands up. Taylor snorted with amusement at her other half.

"You're joking, right?"

"Hey I did all right at the club," huffed Chad.

"Only to your ears, Honey," she taunted her eyes twinkling as the guys burst out laughing. Chad scowled.

"Gabriella, why aren't you doing it?" demanded Sharpay looking pointedly at her. Gabriella blushed, sinking further down on the sofa.

"Resting my voice," she suggested thinking better of it when Sharpay scowled and hmphed. "Okay, if I must," she sighed reluctantly knowing that was the right answer when Sharpay beamed at her. Troy carried over the champagne in a bucket full of ice, placing it on the long wooden coffee table positioned in the center of the group of sofas before sitting beside Gabriella while Zeke carried a tray of glasses. Troy placed his hand on Gabriella's arm comfortingly.

"You don't have to if you don't feel like it," he whispered, "Just say no."

"Sounds easy uh? This is Sharpay we're talking about," smirked Gabriella.

"Hmm, I get your point," he consoled linking his hand with hers. Zeke poured the champagne passing the full glasses to the ladies before heading back to the bar.

"Taylor, I understand you got an eyeful of Troy's ass. Not a pretty sight I imagine," drawled Sharpay casting an amused look at a suddenly beet-red Troy. Gabriella gasped aloud while the rest of the ladies tittered and the guys let out a guffaw of laughter.

"Oh I don't know, it was pretty cute," teased Taylor giving Troy a considering look from the opposite sofa, "as asses go, no wobbles and not in the least hairy," she revealed as if commenting on a specimen in the lab.

"Why thank you for your expert opinion, Taylor," smirked Troy, "Who would have guessed you was so knowledgeable."

"Well I have seen a few in my time, jabbed a fair few too," chuckled Taylor.

"Eww! Tay! Surely we are not going to have a butt debate," groaned Gabriella glaring at her friend.

"Hey, I didn't bring it up," huffed Taylor as the ladies set off laughing again. "Anyway, Sharpay, you would have been proud of me, I really put the screws on these two when I discovered their little secret," boasted Taylor.

"I'm glad to hear it," smirked Sharpay casting a conspiratorial look at Taylor. Gabriella rolled her eyes sliding a sidelong glance at Troy, her eyes brimming with happiness. She felt good knowing that all her friends and family knew about them. She had worried needlessly, which she was prone to do but now she realised how strong they were as a unit, knowing that every bridge they crossed, they'd done it together, weathering the brunt of their friends surprise, taunts and ultimate anger as one, each looking out and caring for the other as couples do. She felt safe and secure in her relationship and looking into Troy's cobalt blue orbs she saw a mirror image of her feelings. Leaning in she licked her lower lip with the tip of her tongue before placing her lips on his for a brief kiss.

"Oh Hell! The loved up duo strikes again," groaned Chad throwing an amused glance their way.

"Shut up, Danforth," grumbled Troy when Gabriella pulled her lips away. Just at that minute Sharpay clapped her hands making everyone focus on her.

"Okay who wants to test their vocal chords first? I know Kelsi is just itching to tickle those ivories," Sharpay stated.

"You're the hostess, you should show us how it's done," teased Troy. Sharpay beamed at him, only too happy to get the ball rolling. Sharpay and Kelsi walked through the arch to the piano talking as they walked with Kelsi nodding in agreement to whatever Sharpay was saying. Kelsi sat at the piano and lovingly ran her fingers over the keys while Sharpay picked up the microphone resting on top of the piano. Gabriella was surprised when Sharpay started singing 'I want to dance with somebody', her rendition upbeat and melodious; the same couldn't be said for Samantha, Martha and Chad although the audience were still appreciative of their valiant attempts, giving them a round of applause when they'd finished. Ryan did a wonderful rendition of 'S'wonderful' to a rousing applause before Kelsi waved to Gabriella beckoning her to up to the piano.

"What have you decided on?" asked Kelsi with a smile. Gabriella hadn't given it a thought and shrugged her shoulders.

"What about the one you wrote for the album? It would be good to give it a run seeing as it is being considered for my next single," said Gabriella enjoying the look of pure astonishment that spread across Kelsi's face and the squeal of delight that sprang from her lips before she hugged Gabriella.

"Why didn't you tell me," demanded Kelsi.

"It's not a definite yet and I didn't want to tell you until it was," explained Gabriella with a smile. "Let's give it a go and see what our friends think." Kelsi nodded her head vigorously before settling back onto the stool, flexing her fingers before running them over the cool keys. Gabriella picked up the microphone and turned to her audience.

"This song is very special as it is written by my good friend Kelsi Nielsen," she waved her hand towards Kelsi who beamed at the audience, "and will hopefully be my next single. Let me know what you think?" Gabriella cleared her throat, nodded to Kelsi to begin, waiting for the first few bars of the introduction until her sweet, melodic voice filled the room.

Made a wish, I can dream
I can be what I want to be
Not afraid to live life and fulfil my fantasies

I learnt a lot of tricks to help me live my life
You helped me find my paradise
When you came, you were like

Sunshine through my window
That's what you are
My shining star
Sunshine
Making me feel
I'm on top of the world
Telling me I'll go far

Reaching out, for new heights
You inspired me to try
Felt the magic inside and I felt that I could fly
I'm looking at the world in an optimistic light
You made me appreciate my life
'Cos when you came you were like

Sunshine through my window
That's what you are
My shining star
Sunshine
Making me feel like
I'm on top of the world
Telling me I'll go far

You are the calm
I am the storm
You are the breeze that carries me on
When I set adrift
You anchor me
You're there for me

Sunshine (oh yeah)
That's what you are
My shining star
Sunshine
Making me feel I'm on top of the world
Telling me that I'll go far
Sunshine through my window
That's what you are

My shining star

(Sunshine)
Making me feel I'm on top of the world
Telling me that I'll go far
Sunshine through my window
That's what you are
My shining star
Sunshine
Making me feel I'm on top of the world
Telling me that I'll go far
Sunshine
My star, my star..

If the whistles, shouts and claps were anything to go by from the slightly biased audience, Gabriella thought this may well be another winner and looking at Ryan for confirmation his beaming smile and nod of approval only reinforced the feeling she had. She would fight for this to be the next one, it just felt right and knowing Ryan thought the same made her all the more determined. It was time for Kelsi's talents as a songwriter to shine.

Gabriella walked back to the group, a delighted smile on her face, aware of Troy's adoring eyes on her as she was delayed by first Sharpay, then Chad, Martha and Taylor respectively offering their congratulations with hugs before finally reaching his side. Troy engulfed her in his arms pulling her against his firm frame and crushing his lips on hers.

"You are amazing," he revered, admiration shining in his eyes, pride clearly evident in his tone. Gabriella smiled unable to resist giving him a sweet kiss.

"Uh-uh, the song is amazing, it helps having such a great melody with heartfelt lyrics," she said deflecting the praise back to the composer who at that moment was in a lip lock with Ryan.

"I beg to differ, it's the whole package and that includes you," he argued, "you deliver it with such…I don't know…passion," he shrugged a self-deprecating smile on his face.

"Hmm! It helps when you're singing it to someone you feel passion for," she whispered in his ear. Troy's face split into a toothy grin, tightening his hold on her as he lowered his head to capture her full lips in a mind-blowing caress.

"Eww! Are they always like this?" complained Zeke.

"Pretty much," confirmed Taylor with a grin.

"It's sickening," grumbled Jason.

"And to think I thought he was gay?" murmured Sharpay smirking when Troy broke off the kiss to glare at her amidst hoots of laughter from the guys.

"Now that would have been a waste," piped in Taylor, "although I heard Details magazine wanted to do an article on him with racy pictures included." Gabriella secretly agreed with Taylor's first observation then gasped at her additional comment, turning to Troy with a question in their depths.

"Do they?"

"Er…yeah," he admitted looking embarrassed, "but I said no."

"Pity. You'd look good in print," she smirked when she saw the shocked look on his face. "Can't beat the real deal though," she added squeezing his waist.

"Gabi, come on, you know it's not what I do, I play basketball, I don't pose," he whined.

"Not much," taunted Chad, smirking when some of the guys on the team backed him up with grunts of agreement, earning a killer look from Troy for his comment.

"Who wants another beer?" asked Ryan coming to Troy's rescue and receiving a grateful smile for his intervention. After a fresh round of drinks were brought to the table conversation switched to Sharpay and Zeke's nuptials initiated by Ryan.

"Have you set a date yet only mom was moaning the other day that you were leaving it a little late in the wedding season to arrange everything?" he queried. Sharpay looked at Zeke with a smile.

"Funnily enough we were only talking about it last night and we have agreed on late September, now we just have to check what venues are available and who can officiate at the ceremony. We know we want to be married before the new season starts." Sharpay linked hands with Zeke, leaning over to give him a sloppy kiss. "Gabriella, I would love you to sing at our wedding, it would make it complete," said Sharpay, her eyes pleading with Gabriella.

"I'd be honoured, Sharpay, subject to my schedule of course. I know I have a lot of travelling coming up but I'll try and work around it. Just let me know the date when you've finalised everything and I'll let my team know to work around it." Sharpay beamed happy with her answer.

"I'll work on it this week and let you know," promised Sharpay excitement shining in her amber eyes. Troy let out an involuntary yawn.

"Keeping you up, Troy?" drawled Sharpay sarcastically.

"Sorry, it's been one hell of a day and I'm bushed," admitted Troy.

"Uhm, I guess it's not every day you get a dunking," agreed Sharpay with a smirk.

"Thank god," sighed Troy with feeling, rising from the sofa, "Goodnight all," he uttered, waving his hand lethargically as he started to walk away.

"Hang on, I'll come too," shouted Gabriella quickly rising to follow him.

"Make sure you tuck him in tight, Gabi," shouted Chad laughing aloud when Troy flipped him the bird before they disappeared from sight.

Gabriella opened her door allowing Troy to precede her into the room before she pushed him towards the bed, her eyes crinkling at the corners, her mahogany orbs gleaming mischievously at his startled expression as he turned to face her, catching her meaning he smirked before she pushed him onto the bed crawling on to straddle him.

"How bushed is bushed?" she asked as her hands began to unbutton his shirt, dipping her head to caress each revealed piece of skin and only looking up when she'd reached her objective and the offending article sailed through the air to the other side of the room.

"Exhausted," he admitted with a smile.

"Hmm! Maybe I could help you out," she offered her hand hovering over the button on his pants.

"Maybe you could," he agreed putting his hands behind his head and smiling at her. Gabriella grinned, flipping open the top button and sliding the zipper down slowly, allowing her finger to run down his rod, a giggle burst from her lips when he grunted. She eased his pants over his hips, down his legs, stopping only to remove his shoes and socks before pushing the pants onto the floor, all the while leaving butterfly soft kisses on the exposed flesh. He moaned when she left him lying on the bed and she laughed softly seconds later when he groaned as she undid her dress, letting it fall to the floor before unclipping her strapless bra.

"You're killing me, Gabi, get back here," he ordered beseechingly, his needy eyes drinking in her beauty from afar.

"Aw Baby, we can't have that," she teased moving back to the bed to straddle him once more, rubbing her crotch against his extended member as she dipped her head to nibble his bottom lip, slipping her tongue into the small opening when he gasped, his tongue meeting hers willingly, twirling in an erotic dance all of their own. Gabriella ran her hands over his shoulders, across his chest, stopping to tweak his erect nipples between her finger and thumb, letting out a throaty chuckle when he growled. She slid her lips from his, down his jaw line and into his neck, following his collar bone before replacing her fingers with her lips, drawing first one nipple then the other into her mouth, allowing her tongue to play with each hardened nub. Meanwhile her hands moved lower, teasing the waistband of his boxers letting it snap back against his skin with a resounding slap. Troy growled moving his hands from behind his head to run them along her sides, his thumb flicking the peak of each breast. Gabriella gasped at the tingle that ran through her body, making her forget her mission for a second as her hands stilled before continuing, sliding the boxers from his body with ease, letting them pool at his ankles, sighing when she felt his hardened tool nudge her stomach. She continued on the downward path, her lips sucking, her tongue licking his flat stomach, twirling her tongue in his naval until they reached their goal.

She stopped, raising her head to look at his darkened, slumberous eyes filled with passion and need before lowing her head, taking him into her warm mouth, loving the hiss that spilled from his mouth as her tongue licked the moist, salty cleft at his tip, taking more and more of him into her mouth as she worked him, moving her head up and down, feeling him hardened even more. Troy groaned, loving the feel of her mouth on his cock, the throb inside bitter sweet in its rising intensity, knowing he couldn't deliver twice tonight, he abruptly pulled her off him and up to slam his lips against hers, grinding his cock against her lace covered labia, groaning with frustration at the barrier, he slid his hands down her body, pulling at the fabric roughly so that it ripped at one side. Gabriella gasped against his mouth at his urgency, her lips curving into a smile a second later at his passionate action, positioning her center above him as she slowly lowered herself until she felt his tip enter her womanhood, swiftly taking him all the way in, giggling when he grunted in approval.

"I'm following orders and tucking you in tight," she said huskily. Troy chuckled.

"Remind me to thank Chad," he replied throatily. After a couple of seconds of inaction she began rotating her hips, loving the feel of him brushing her clit as she moved, bringing forth wave after wave of sensation as Troy began to move inside her, their hips falling into a steady rhythm as they pleasured each other, pushing to the limit of their boundaries, Gabriella's slick vagina clasping Troy tightly, the friction between them building the tension until Gabriella cried out as her orgasm shook her body and Troy grasped her hips, holding her steady as he pumped his organ faster and harder until he too reached his climax, their breath laboured, chests heaving as Gabriella fell against him and Troy wrapped his arms about her, holding her close, his lips brushed against her forehead as they lay panting. Troy reached down and pulled the covers over them, smiling as Gabriella snuggled into his side.

"You're a star for working your magic with Sharpay," he whispered against her ear. "I still don't know how you managed it."

"Let's just say it's a girl thing," slurred Gabriella struggling to keep her eyes open.

"Fair enough. You're still my shining star though," he reiterated smiling when he looked at her to find her fast asleep.