Fandom: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
Pairing: Troy/Ryan
Length: about 20,000 words
Author on LJ:
that_1_incidentAuthor Website: Fic MasterlistWhy this must be read: This fic is based on a 'what if' - What if Gabriella never came to East High? - and really follows through. In canon, Gabriella's arrival was the catalyst for a rearrangement of the school's social structure, breaking the students out of the status quo. In this AU, none of that happened. The story follows the development of Troy and Ryan's relationship with all the the clique-barriers still in place.
Some of the characterization in this story is surprising, but it works pretty well in context. Without Gabriella making allowances for him, for example, it is possible that Troy would be more thoughtful in a relationship. And since Troy's interest in musical theater was spurred by Gabriella in canon, it makes sense that the author had to create some other common ground for the boys in the fic. It's an interesting and attractive take on this pairing.
( Excerpt )Go. Read. Love. Tell the author.
Start of Something New