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.
"I will. Goodnight Troy, I love you," she said softly before hanging up the phone, feeling infinitely calmer now that she'd spoken to him. It was crazy, she'd always coped with the pressure before, admittedly not the kind of pressure she was under at the moment but she'd taken it in her stride. Why should this be any different? Was it the thought of being away from Troy for months? She didn't know but she did slip easily into a dreamless sleep, his voice floating in her head.
Exposure
She was up bright and early on Saturday morning, out at the gym by 9am and back home by 11.30am. It had been a hard set but her limbs had stood the test, at least physically she knew she more than ready to cope with the strenuous tour, it was her emotional state that worried her. Opting for a soak in the tub, she immersed herself in the calming waters, oblivious to anything apart from her stereo as she closed her eyes and let her body float so it was a surprise when she felt a hand touch her shoulder. Yelping, her eyes burst open and she struggled to get up only to hear Troy's soothing tone next to her ear tell her to stay put. Gabriella grabbed his arm pulling him nearer until she could reach his lips, hers probing the firm contours, nibbling on his lower lip before sliding her tongue inside to touch his. She felt his lips curve into a smile, his hand curving around her cheek to hold her in place while he returned her caress.
"Good timing, Bolton, I need someone to scrub my back," she whispered against his lips.
"Your wish is my command, my lady," he said with a grin taking hold of the bar of vanilla scented soap and rubbing it over her back when she leant forward. Little fissures of desire shot down her back, her nipples hardening in response as he slowly, tormentingly touched every inch, starting at her neck and working his way down, his hands skimming her butt before curving around her to hold her burgeoning breasts, his thumbs playing with her wet peaks.
"These are pleased to see me," he murmured in her ear. Gabriella giggled, twisting her head to meet his lips. Troy gripped her waist and hoisted her from the tub, pulling her onto his lap, their lips never parting as he enfolded her wet form against his body. Snatching a towel off the rail he wrapped her in the cocoon, struggled to stand before sweeping her up into his arms and carrying her into the bedroom and placing her on the center of the bed. With minimal effort he stripped away his now damp clothes, joining her a minute later.
"Good to know it works both ways," she said huskily her hungry gaze fastened on his own tell-tale point. Troy grinned, pushing her back into the mattress. "So what are you going to do about it?"
"Oh I'm sure we'll think of something," she teased her hand already stroking his length lovingly. Troy growled in his throat, smashing his lips down on hers, his hands familiarising themselves with all the hidden nooks and crannies of her body until she cried out his name begging for release and he didn't disappoint.
They had spent the evening cuddled up on the sofa, refusing the offer from Chad and Taylor of going to dinner, wanting to be together as much as possible knowing their time was limited.
"I won't be able to be here to support you in the next round," she said sadly.
"And I won't be able to be with you until we've won," he responded.
"Not confident much," she teased picking up on his words. Troy smiled briefly.
"Maybe I should throw a game then I can be with you sooner."
"Troy Bolton, don't you dare," she gasped frowning at him. "Tell me you wouldn't?"
"Relax, Gabi, I'm joking, it's not in my nature to lose," reassured Troy smirking as he added, "you should know that." She relaxed against him, smiling as she recalled past incidents like the time on the beach when he'd run her down, literally, determined not to be bested. "I'll be with you when I can, if we're lucky we may end up in the same city at the same time."
"I hope so," she said softly placing her lips on his.
"What time are you meeting Shar tomorrow?" he asked.
"9.30," she sighed, "Ryan is picking me up and we're meeting Caroline there."
"Want me to come with you?" he offered with a crooked smile.
"No, I'll be fine besides you know you hate shopping in any form," she replied.
"True but for you I'd make the exception even if it is in the presence of Sharpay."
"No, you're off the hook," she insisted shaking her head.
"I'll come and rescue you at lunch and we'll take off regardless of any objections from Sharpay," he promised.
"Deal," she replied sealing the deal with lip contact.
Surprisingly, the morning went well. Ryan had been right, Sharpay did know her fashion and had already selected a range of garments for Gabriella to inspect when she arrived with Ryan. Sharpay intuitively seemed to know what would and wouldn't suit Gabriella, with only one shiny pink garment amongst them, a pair of Lycra leggings that Gabriella liked on sight. Ryan had smirked and Gabriella had rolled her eyes, sticking her tongue out at him playfully.
Troy stuck his head round the door cautiously unsure of what he would find, certainly not the four of them lounging around sipping wine, chatting animatedly about next seasons fashion trends.
"Is it safe?" he asked teasingly, earning a scowl from Gabriella and a smirk from Ryan. Caroline tittered looking avidly from her protege to Troy then back again, noting the electric charge that filled the room instantly.
"And why wouldn't it be?" demanded Sharpay.
"Oh no reason," he replied airily.
"Why are you here anyway, don't tell me you need some fashion advice?" she jeered giving him the once over, "god knows you could use some," she added dryly.
"Uhm, no you're okay, Shar. I've just come to steal my girlfriend away," he replied, "got a problem with that?" he challenged.
"I would have if we weren't finished but as we are, you can go humping to your heart's content."
"Sharpay!" gasped Gabriella.
"What? It's what you two do, isn't it," she stated unabashed.
"Not all the time," refuted Troy, taking Gabriella's hand and pulling her to her feet, lavishing a heated kiss on her lips before waving goodbye to Sharpay, who looked pointedly at them as if to say see what I mean, Ryan and Caroline, who wore an amused expression, seeing the pair in action for the first time.
Troy was back in training the following morning, gearing up for the game the following night where all things being equal they could sew up the first round and move onto their next opponents in the conference semis. Gabriella woke up when he did, making breakfast for them while he took a shower, kissing him goodbye before she went to get ready for her whirlwind tour of promotions sprung on her by the speedy release of her next single. She was booked on a local radio station in two hours time followed by a pre-recorded TV interview with Giuliana Rancic for E News in the afternoon that would go out the following day. The powers that be wanted her to fly to New York to go on TRL and GMA but both Ryan and Gabriella said that wasn't possible. She needed to concentrate on rehearsing both songs and the dance routines seeing as they insisted on starting the tour on Sunday which meant that she had to fly out at the latest Saturday for sound checks and a dry run in the actual auditorium. Was it her fault they wanted everything like yesterday?
She was exhausted when she arrived home that night, only managing to get a quick bite to eat, kissing Troy on the cheek when he appeared then going to bed. She wanted to be fighting fit tomorrow in rehearsal and didn't want to feel this exhausted tomorrow night or she'd be falling asleep at the game.
The game was all that Troy and the team could hope for, winning by a twelve point margin, negating the need for the two remaining matches. They'd done it, they were through, now they just had to wait to see who they would play next. Gabriella, Taylor, Sharpay, Ryan and Kelsi stood around outside the locker room waiting for their superstars to appear, clapping and shouting congratulations as each one appeared, the girls giving additional rewards to their respective partners before they headed out for the after game celebration. The exuberant mood continued into the restaurant, chosen yet again by Sharpay, the mellow lighting and discreet seating away from prying eyes welcomed by all. However, leaving the establishment brought them back down to earth with a bump. Troy was holding Gabriella's hand as they exited and it was only the flash in the dark that alerted him to the waiting paparazzi, forcing him to drop it abruptly, the ready smiles quickly dissipating to be replaced with frowns as they scurried towards their vehicles hounded by continuous flashbulbs exploding in the night, asinine questions flung at them in various dialects. Troy quickly opened the door with his fob waiting until Gabriella made it inside safely before climbing in himself, revving the engine before they shot away from the curb.
"Shit! Just what we needed," he fumed looking sideways at Gabriella. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I hope Taylor and Chad are okay?" she said worriedly, pausing a second before pulling out her Iphone, punching on the keypad, sending a text to Taylor.
"Who picked that fucking restaurant again?" snapped Troy.
"Sharpay," she replied with a giggle as she looked at Troy's fuming countenance.
"I might have known." Her phone rang out and she glanced down to read Taylor's reply.
"They're fine, seems they were only interested in us," she told him.
"Fuck! If Sharpay has set this up, I'll kill her," he muttered. Gabriella gasped looking askance at him.
"She wouldn't do that surely?"
"Want to bet," he growled.
"You're wrong, Troy. I don't believe that and neither do you, if you're honest," she stated confidently, defending his best girl friend.
"Maybe but she picked the bloody restaurant. What was up with the Lemon Tree? It's where we usually go," he ranted. Gabriella reached over and touched his leg.
"Don't let it get to you. We knew it was going to happen at some point. If I didn't know better, I'd blame my record company, they wouldn't say no to additional publicity at this point," she commented dryly. Troy shot her a look of amazement.
"They wouldn't, would they?" he gasped. Gabriella giggled and shook her head.
"I'm joking, Troy. They don't know about us so how could they manufacture something like this," she pointed out logically just as they arrived back at her apartment, to be met by more paparazzi. Troy took one look, swore under his breath and shot off down the road. "Kidnapping is a criminal offense, you know," she informed him with a smirk.
"Stop moaning, you know you love it," he teased returning her smirk as he negotiated the way to his place, sighing in relief when there was no photogs hanging about as he drove into the underground car park. "Looks like you're staying here tonight."
"I can live with that," she grinned at him, "wherever you are is home."
Taylor drove her car round early the following morning, informing them that a barrage of photogs were camped outside the apartment, looking for their money shot. Being the good friend that she was she'd brought Gabriella a suitcase full of clothes and make up essentials. Gabriella hugged her, offering breakfast in return but Taylor refused saying she had to be in work in thirty minutes at which Troy insisted on him driving her back to the apartment to pick up her own car, ringing ahead to tell Chad to be ready so they could continue in to work themselves. Gabriella sighed when they'd left, life was getting complicated. Her phone rang constantly with calls from Kelsi, Martha, Caroline and Ryan, even her mother had called to see if they were okay having seen the headline in one of the daily papers. Sharpay seemed to take great delight in keeping her abreast of what the online gossip columns were saying and it was driving her nuts.
Stupid people wouldn't get in the way of her normal routine, she was determined of that as she set out to the gym to keep the appointment with her personal trainer before going on to the studios to meet up with Ryan for another gruelling day of dance rehearsals. Troy was not so lucky, the paparazzi were waiting like a pack of wolves outside the Staples Center, testing his patience to the limit, taking great pleasure in slamming the door in their faces as he and Chad walked into work.
"This is one time I'm glad I'm not the star attraction," muttered Chad.
"I wish I wasn't. All I want to do is play the game I love so what's with all the attention, this is a team sport still," moaned Troy.
"Yo Troy, Chad. Guess who made the gossip columns?" teased Zeke as they greeted each other with a manly handshake. Troy rolled his eyes.
"And who do we have to thank for that?" he grumbled glaring at Zeke. Zeke looked puzzled.
"No idea, dude," Zeke responded obliviously. Troy sighed, biting his tongue from openly voicing his suspicion of Sharpay in front of Zeke. It wasn't worth it, they still had a lot of big games to come and he didn't want to cause friction between himself and Zeke.
The rest of the week passed in a frenzy; work was strenuous and tiring for both Troy and Gabriella, the added burden of avoiding the press was wearisome to say the least. Fortunately, they still had not discovered where Troy lived as he swapped cars with his fellow team mates daily, drove down alleyways to shake off any following posse sometimes going miles out of his way before doubling back. So far it was working.
Gabriella phoned Caroline to inform her of the change of location for the pick up on Saturday with Caroline promising to let Marcus know immediately. She received a call from Sharpay early Friday morning advising her the outfits were ready and she'd despatch them to the apartment by courier after lunch. Gabriella closed the phone with a sigh. She'd have to go back home if only to supervise the delivery and start sorting and packing her suitcases ready for the following morning. She called Ryan to discuss it with him but Ryan didn't seem worried in the slightest, like he said, she was ready, more than ready, another rehearsal wasn't necessary. She came off the phone in a better frame of mind, her last minute nerves dispersing after hearing the confidence in his voice. Slipping on her Gucci shades, she collected her bag and let herself out of Troy's apartment, taking the lift to the basement car park to collect her car. Her hands sweated on the steering wheel as she turned into her road, breathing a sigh of relief when she only spotted two tinted SUV's parked on the opposite side of the road as she turned in the drive and into the residential parking area, fob at the ready she quickly left the car and darted to the side entrance before they were anywhere near.
The courier had arrived as promised and Gabriella spent the afternoon trying them on before packing them into one of the five suitcases she would be taking with her. A van, sent by the record company, would be picking them up early the next morning to transport them to the airport, leaving her to carry aboard her personal suitcase and flight bag containing her everyday clothes, make up and electrical accoutrements. Taylor walked in while she was on the last one, giving her opinion of the remaining outfits and helping to pack them before pouring a glass of wine for them both.
"I'm going to miss you," she said.
"Oh don't, Tay or you'll have me crying," Gabriella moaned looking sadly at her. "At least you'll get some peace while I'm gone," she joked referring to the cockroaches below, "I suppose they are still around?"
"Oh yeah, and some," she replied.
"I guess their jungle drums have been working overtime since they spotted me driving in," Gabriella sighed.
"Pity they haven't got anything better to do," grumbled Taylor. "Look, Gabs, I was talking to Chad last night and wondered if you and Troy wanted to go out with us tonight, just for a bite to eat to give you a change of scenery. I know you've been cooped up at his place since the news broke." Gabriella smiled at her gratefully.
"I'd like that," she replied, "Let me ring Troy to let him know and maybe him and Chad could meet us then we can switch cars afterwards."
"Sounds like a plan. I'll just finish this and then I'm going for a soak," Taylor informed her with an answering grin. "We won't let the bastards get us down."
"I'll drink to that," stated Gabriella clinking her glass against Taylor's.
They met up at their refuge, the pizzeria that had served them so well in the past, pleased to find it was still the same and spent a pleasant evening with their best friends laughing and joking as embarrassing stories were recounted from all parties. Gabriella grew quiet as the evening drew to a close and they walked outside, knowing it would be sometime until they could all be together again.
"Hey, you're quiet, are you okay?" asked Troy with concern.
"Yeah, it's just...I'm gonna miss you guys," she replied softly, sadness in her tone.
"I'm gonna miss you too," sniffled Taylor tears forming in her eyes as she hugged Gabriella who promptly burst into tears. Chad and Troy looked uncomfortable, staring at each other mystified, not knowing what to do with the two weeping women.
"Uh...Gabi, honey, come on, you'll be back before you know it," said Troy comfortingly, holding her shoulders and pulling her away from the still clasping Taylor.
"He's right, it's not like you're going for ever," said Chad thoughtlessly. Troy glared at him over Gabriella's shoulder as she burrowed into his neck, shaking his head in disapproval as a fresh bout of weeping ensued.
"Hey, come on, we can't have you going all husky now, can we, you've gotta wow the crowds with your beautiful voice," he said soothingly, rubbing her back trying to calm her.
"S...sorry about that, it ju...just hit home that we wouldn't be able to do this for a while," she hiccuped giving them a watery smile to prove she was okay.
"You'll do great, Gabs. I'm so proud of you already, now go and show the rest of the country what they've been missing," stated Taylor firmly although her lip quivered as she said it. She hugged her friend once more. "And don't forget to phone, not all of us are lucky enough to see the country so I want regular updates so I can imagine it, okay."
"I won't, Tay," she promised, "keep your eye on these two," she added with a grin.
"Oh don't worry, Gabs, I'll keep them in line."
"That's all I ask," teased Gabriella looking lovingly at Troy. She hugged Chad, whispering in his ear before turning to Troy, "Shall we go?"
"Bye guys," she said waving to her friends before getting in the car.
The ride back was conducted in a companionable silence, Troy concentrated on the road allowing Gabriella time to compose herself and not wishing to see her cry again, decided not to say anything until they were inside. Gabriella appreciated his thoughtfulness, simply resting her hand on his thigh to keep in contact as she tried to regain her composure, shocked at her own outburst of weeping. Troy was deep in thought, worried by her untimely outpourings; not only did he hate to see her upset, he felt helpless too, unsure of what to do to make it better.
Once in the apartment, Troy flung his keys on the sideboard before pulling her into the safety of his arms.
"Are you okay now?" he questioned softly.
"Yeah, I'm sorry about that, Troy, I hope you don't think you're going out with a crazy person?" Gabriella replied looking worriedly at him.
"No, just the opposite, I see a beautiful woman who cares too deeply and isn't afraid to show it," he said with a gentle smile as he stared into her eyes.
"How come you always know the right thing to say?" she sighed.
"With you it's easy," he grinned lowering his head to capture her lips in a gentle caress. Gabriella spread her palms against his chest, running up his rock solid wall, easily pushing his jacket from his shoulders on their way to curve around his neck, anchoring him in place as she deepened the kiss. Troy lifted her effortlessly into his arms, carrying her through to his bedroom before letting her body slide back down until her feet touched the floor. Gabriella moaned in disappointment when he removed his lips only to sigh in contentment a second later when his moist mouth skimmed her neck, licking and sucking as he sought then found her tender spot. Gabriella tilted her neck aiding him in his mission while her fingers worked diligently on his shirt buttons, smiling when she heard him hiss as her fingertips brushed his nipples. Slivers of desire spread down her body, heating her skin as Troy pulled her hips hard against him letting her feel his need as his fingers slid the zip down on her skirt, cool air rushed against her heated skin as the skirt pooled at her feet, a warm hand covered her derrière momentarily before said hand slid downwards, a finger slipping beneath the side of her thong, eagerly searching for the molten lava that had pooled in the center of her volcano. Gabriella tried to concentrate on her task, needing desperately to feel his skin against hers but the volatility of her own body was making it so hard, so hard in fact that she lost patience, popping the last two buttons so roughly that they detached themselves from the cotton, flying across the room. Troy chuckled against her neck.
"Playing rough are we," he whispered removing his hand from her butt. Gabriella giggled as she buried her face against his chest, nipping one of his nipples in reply. Troy groaned then smirked, undoing the top two buttons of her blouse, he grasped the edges with his hands and pulled. The rest of the buttons popped and a tearing sound filled the silence as the blouse gave way.
"Troy!" gasped Gabriella.
"You started it," he teased, "anyway I prefer you like this." His eyes fixed on her heaving breasts that were barely covered by the plunging bra. He bent his head suckling on her exposed cleavage while his hands wound around her to unhook the last obstacle, letting out a sigh when her rosy peaks came into view as the bra fell to the floor. Cupping them in his hands, he stared into her molten eyes, losing himself in their sultry depths.
"I love you," he said solemnly bending his head to taste her parted lips, his tongue seeking it's mate. Gabriella mewled in her throat as Troy massaged her breasts with his hands, his thumb and finger squeezing her hard buds, sending sharp needles of awareness shooting through her body. Gabriella wanted him, needed to feel him against her, inside her, around her and quickly worked his top button loose, pulling his zipper down harshly, pushing his two remaining items of clothing down his body franticly, grunting in satisfaction when she felt his erection pushing against her thigh.
"Make love to me, Troy," she begged. The tension building to fever pitch needed release and soon.
"With pleasure," he said huskily, scooping her up in his arms and carrying her to the bed. Gabriella pulled him down on top of her, loving the feel of his body against her, knowing she'd never tire of it. Troy began a slow assault on her body but Gabriella needed him now, could feel her body already going into spasm with her need to have him inside. Catching him out, she flipped him over straddling his hips and taking him inside with one smooth movement, groaning when his length filled her, taking control she rotated her hips, riding him furiously. Troy momentarily stunned, let her take the lead, watching the expressions flitter across her face, loving every single one before holding her hips as he worked her from below, lifting himself up to kiss her, as his own need spiralled out of control, their hips working in unison to reach the golden plateau, each giving and taking of the other equally, their rasping breaths matching as their bodies shuddered and rocked. Gabriella was the first to crack, crying out his name as she erupted around him, her walls tightened against his cock, giving him even more pleasure as he pushed again into the compressed space, sending him to his own climax. She sagged onto his chest, her breasts heaving as she tried to regain her breath and Troy wrapped his arms around her, waiting for his own breathing to regulate before he could speak.
"I was going for the big seduction scene," he started to say. Gabriella giggled softly pressing her lips against his chest.
"Sorry to steal your thunder but I needed you right then."
"Yeah, I could tell that," he chuckled against her hair.
"Not to worry, we have all night," she promised snuggling into him, "and I intend to take full advantage of it. Don't forget, I need some loving on account."
"I'll see what I can do," he whispered against her hair. "You do realise I'll be worn out by morning."
"Oh I'm banking on it," she said mischievously, a wicked gleam in her eye.
"You were? I guess you won't accept an early withdrawal?" he teased his baby blues sparkling with hidden laughter when she turned her head to glare at him.
"Uhuh!" she uttered shaking her head, wagging a finger at him. Troy exaggerated a sigh, flipping her over until he pinned her beneath him.
"In that case, a deposit it called for, I believe," he teased giving her his megawatt smile. Gabriella smiled broadly in return.
"Now you're talking," she breathed out in satisfaction.
"I wasn't planning on that," he said dryly crashing his lips against hers before slowing the pace taking his own sweet time, revisiting every inch of her body, tasting, touching, licking and sucking, teasing her to the very edge, glorying in her sweet cries of surrender as he took her to heaven.