Hi, new story from me. Yet again, a totally new pairing. This is a Shaylor, y'know, Sharpay and Taylor. I don't know if that pairing has a name yet, but I've read some pretty cool stories about them, and since I like to pair Sharpay with everything that can walk, I thought why not try something new once again? And I've been working on this all day long, when I really was supposed to write on my joint fics :)

This whole fic is also dedicated for my two awesome proof readers, Catie and Bethany, thanks for reading, and helping with the title. You girls seriously rock!

Disclaimer; I don't own High School Musical, or any of the music references I used in this chapter.

In Too Deep

Part 1.

Sharpay Evans hated to admit it, but she was in love. She was so desperately in love, that she didn't know what to do with herself. She couldn't sleep, she couldn't think, she couldn't eat, and she couldn't concentrate in school. She couldn't even concentrate during Drama Class, and that cost her the lead with Ryan in the next school production.

But she didn't care, because all that mattered was the object of her affections. It was all she thought about. She often wondered how she fell in love like that, because Ice Princesses aren't supposed to fall in love. They're supposed to go from one guy to another and move on without a doubt. But she had fallen, and she had fallen hard.

The worst part about it was: She had fallen for a girl. A totally un-cool, un-smart, un-popular girl, and yet she had fallen for her. Sharpay didn't understand, how did it happen? One day she was walking through the hallways, flirting left and right, while talking trash about the girl, but the next day… she was looking her way every time she had the chance. And the worst part of it was, she had a boyfriend, and Sharpay couldn't stand to watch him with her everyday, it hurt like nothing had ever done, and all she wished was to have her.

But things weren't that easy, because it would not be accepted. Her parents would hate her, people would hate her, and she could never get herself to tell her. But yet, she wanted to break up the relationship she had with her boyfriend, just to be able to tell her how she felt. If she had been like Gabriella, she wouldn't even have thought about it, because good girls want what's best for the people they love, but Ice Princesses don't want that. They want what's best for themselves, and Sharpay believed that Taylor was best for her.

Sharpay sighed and continued drawing a doodle on her paper. She was supposed to take notes, they had science. But it was too hard when Taylor was sitting a few tables away from her with her boyfriend. They looked so happy. Taylor always took time to explain Chad everything. It really looked like she loved him. And they sat next to each other! Sharpay was stuck with goody-goody Gabriella Montez instead, because her boyfriend, the Basketball King, had paired up with Zeke. And Taylor ditched her for Chad, so she'd have to stick with Sharpay, not really Gabriella's wish, Sharpay knew that.

Their teacher told them to read page 45 – 60, and then answer some lame questions from the blackboard, but Sharpay didn't bother. She was gonna fail science anyway. It wasn't because she was bad at school, she just didn't understand science. She got top grades in all the other subjects, but not science. There was just something about it that she didn't get. She used to work hard and try, but when she failed anyway, she didn't want to bother herself.

She opened her book and placed it upright on the table in front of her, pretending to read, while writing things on her paper. She kept erasing it though, because she couldn't let anyone see that she kept writing her name next to Taylor's, and even combining them to one, like 'Bradgelina'. She couldn't decide what sounded best though. Shaylor or Taypay. Taypay sounded kinda cute, but she liked to believe that Shaylor won the competition.

She let her gaze leave her paper, after drawing on top of what she wrote, and it wandered towards Taylor and Chad immediately. Chad had his arms around Taylor, who was already busy answering the questions. Sharpay liked that about her. She was so smart. And why did she go out with a failure like Danforth? He didn't deserve her. Sharpay thought she deserved her. Well, more than Chad anyway.

She let out another sigh, and let her gaze linger on Taylor's neck for a few seconds. That dark beauty was amazing.

"It's obvious, you know?"

Sharpay turned her head to the side, to find the goody-goody, totally saint Gabriella Montez looking at her, with a smock smile on her face. She looked like she just uncovered a big mystery, and Sharpay didn't understand why. She just bit her lip, and placed her book on top of her paper, hoping Gabriella hadn't read anything, "What?"

"It's obvious," she repeated, nodding towards Chad and Taylor, "You like Chad, it's obvious."

Sharpay felt the need to laugh, but she held it in, not wanting to get detention. So Gabriella believed she liked Chad!? Ha, that was the joke of the year, why would she like Chad? What could anyone see in him? He's as dumb as the day's long. But of course, that would be what Gabriella believed. She couldn't admit to that though, simply because it wasn't true, and it would ruin her reputation. "And why would you think that?" she asked, placing her head in the palm of her hands.

"You keep looking at him." Gabriella said, leaning back in her chair, "And you look at Taylor too, like you're jealous of her."

"I don't know what you're talking about." Sharpay said, arching her eyebrows, "Why would I like Danforth? He's just Troy's sidekick, he's nothing special. And he's not even hot, okay? I was staring out of the window."

"I know you're blonde, Sharpay, but don't play dumb!" Gabriella whisper-yelled, not wanting to get caught either, "Every time I have a class with you, that Taylor is in, you keep staring her down. Get over yourself! Chad loves Taylor, he'd never go out with a girl like you."

Sharpay rolled her eyes, and leaned back in her chair too, "I don't know how many times I have to tell you this," she said, "But I do not like Chad Danforth, that is the grossest accusation anyone has ever given me, so let it go, Gabriella, you don't know a thing."

"I swear," Gabriella said, leaning slightly towards Sharpay, who wondered when she'd gotten so much courage, "…if you do anything to hurt my best friend, I'll kill you. I love Taylor, so back off, Blondie!"

Just then the bell rang, and Gabriella got her things together, leaving the classroom in a hurry. Sharpay stared after her, not believing that the goody-goody had just said that. That was progress for her, Sharpay was proud in some weird way. She begun packing her things together, looking up to find Taylor still in the classroom, talking to their teacher.

Sharpay was about to leave, when he stopped her: "Miss Evans?"

She turned around, a fake smile plastered on her face, "Yes, sir?"

"Your grades have been falling again," he said, "You were making progress at some point, but now it seems like you're distracted and you really need help, or else Mrs. Darbus is not gonna let you be in the play."

"Oh," Sharpay whispered, her face falling. She hadn't been thinking a lot about drama lately, but being pulled out because of a bad grade in science would seriously kill her, "I don't know what to say, sir. I'm doing the best I can, I just don't get it."

"That's where miss McKessie comes in." he said, padding Taylor on the arm, "She, as you might know, is very talented, and is on the Scholastic Decathlon Team. She's helped Mr. Danforth a lot with his grades, and I was just asking her if she might help you. If you want her to, of course. But I suspect you do."

"Oh," Sharpay repeated, making eye contact with Taylor for a second, before turning back to their teacher, "I doubt she can help me, but I'd like that." she swallowed and gave the black beauty a smile, "If it's not too much trouble?"

"Oh don't worry!" Taylor said, cheery as always, "I'd love to help you. And Chad has really made progress, so I think you can too. And… then I was hoping you might help me with something too. Y'know, a favour for a favour?"

"Sure," Sharpay quickly replied, curious about what it was though.

"I'll leave you two alone," their teacher said, "And miss Evans, I'll tell Mrs. Darbus that she can keep you in the production for awhile. I think you're gonna move a few grades up in no time with the help of miss McKessie." He turned for the door, "Have a good day."

"You too." Taylor quickly said, watching him leave. Then she turned back to Sharpay and shot her a huge smile, "So, what do you say we get together after school? I can help you with that paper we have due. And teach you some basic stuff. What do you say?"

"Cool," Sharpay smiled, "Can we go to your house? We'll take my car?"

"Of course," Taylor said, as they walked out of the classroom, side by side, "You know… people have totally misjudged you, Sharpay. I've only spent these 10 minutes with you, but I've already realized you're not bitchy."

"Yeah well," Sharpay said, thinking about what Gabriella had said during class, "People misjudge all the time."

-- Sharpay – Taylor – Sharpay – Taylor --

Sharpay leaned against her white convertible, pulling her sunglasses from her hair to her nose. The sun was shining brightly, and it looked like it was gonna be a good afternoon. She was waiting for Taylor, who just had to go say bye to Gabriella and grab a few things from her locker. In some weird way, Sharpay felt like Taylor wanted to tell her something, but couldn't get herself to do it. She was hiding something. Maybe it had to do with the favour she briefly talked about during class?

Sharpay got a huge smile on her face, as she saw Taylor coming out of the school. She waved her hand, making sure she saw her. Taylor waved back, and quickly made her way towards her. She stopped and took in the car. It was pretty new, Sharpay just got it a month ago.

"Wow," she said, her jaw hanging open, as she made her way around it, "I'm no expert in cars, but seriously, Sharpay, that is so tight!"

"I know," Sharpay smirked, opening her door, and sliding into the smooth leather seat, "Take a seat, tutor, you're about to get the ride of your life."

Taylor squealed, and threw her back pack into the backseat. She then opened the door and slid in too, still totally amazed. She looked around the car, blinking a few times, "Do you have any good music?"

Sharpay opened the CD holder, and smiled, "Take your pic, my dear." And then she started the car, driving out of the parking spot. She knew where Taylor lived. She wasn't proud of it, but two weeks ago, she had looked it up, because she wanted to go tell her how she felt. But when she had been driving past her house for the 5th time, she had chickened out.

"Wow, you like Kelly Clarkson?" Taylor said, holding up 'Breakaway', "Oh my God, The All American Rejects! That's so cool!"

"You don't have to sound so surprised." Sharpay said, giggling a little.

"I'm sorry, it's just…. I always figured you were a pop girl, y'know? The songs you sing in school are very pop-y, don't you think?" Taylor quickly said, popping Kelly Clarkson into the stereo, while pressing the track button. Soon Behind These Hazel Eyes were playing, and Taylor turned the volume up, "I didn't mean to offend you."

"You didn't, don't worry." Sharpay smiled, bobbing her head along to the music, "I know it's pop music I sing, but I do enjoy pop. I listen to different music. Practically everything. I also have a weakness for Broadway."

"Well, of course," Taylor smiled, "You've got to know what that's about. Considering you're going to act there yourself."

"Wow, you really think I can make it?" Sharpay questioned.

"I know you can." Taylor said, "You love theatre. It's not like Gabriella and Troy, who just do it because they think it's fun. It really means something to you, and that's important. You're dedicated."

"Kinda like you and science?" Sharpay asked, as they turned onto the street where Taylor lived.

"Yeah," Taylor said, "Kinda like that."

Sharpay parked her car in front of Taylor's house, and they both got out, smacking the doors behind them. They grabbed their things and hurried into the house. It was open, so Sharpay suspected that someone was home.

"Mom!?" Taylor hollered, kicking her shoes off, "I'm home, I brought a friend."

A woman, very similar in appearance as Taylor, come into the little hallway, a smile plastered on her gorgeous face. She smiled at Sharpay and stuck out her hand, "Jenny McKessie."

"Sharpay Evans," Sharpay smiled, shaking her hand, "You have a lovely house… what I've seen of it."

"Oh well, I do try." Mrs. McKessie smiled, "So, what are you girls gonna do?"

"I'm gonna help Sharpay with a science project." Taylor smiled, awkwardly at her mom. She was already on her way upstairs to her room, but she could tell her mom wouldn't mind talking to Sharpay a bit longer. She was a very friendly person, and everyone Taylor brought home was in for 20 questions.

"Yes," Sharpay nodded, smiling briefly at Taylor, "I admit it, I'm no professor. I'm failing, and they're gonna take me out of the school production if I don't get better."

"Oh, well then," Mrs. McKessie smiled, "I'll let you two get to work. I'll come up with some cookies and milk in a few, okay, Tay?"

"Sure mom." Taylor smiled, waving Sharpay along with her. They made their way up the stairs, and arrived on the first floor. Taylor's room was the first door, right hand, so they went in there.

Sharpay was a bit taken aback. She didn't know what she had expected, but definitely not what she found. Taylor's room was like a normal teenage girl's room. There were posters on the walls, like of Jesse McCartney and Brad Pitt, and such people. There was clothes thrown on the floor. Candles, books, magazines and makeup. Sharpay took it all in, thinking she could really get used to being here. "Wow," she mumbled, "This is cool…"

"What had you expected?" Taylor asked, wrinkling an eyebrow, "A lab or something?" she paused by Sharpay's guilty look, "Don't worry, Chad did the same when he first came here."

Sharpay nodded, and looked at the floor, slightly uncomfortable by the mention of her boyfriend. She took a seat on Taylor's bed, and watched the girl sit by her desk, "So, what do you need to teach me? Or should I help you first?"

"Well, mine is not so important." Taylor smiled, "Your grades are, we can't have our school star, not doing plays, now can we?" she sighed, and stood up, crossed the floor, and stopped by her shelf. She ran her finger along it, until she came to the book she was searching for. She took it out, it looked heavy and old, but Sharpay didn't say anything. Taylor turned around and threw the book on the bed, next to Sharpay, "If you need anything, you can look it up in that book. It's not gonna improve your grades, but if there's anything you don't understand, it's written in there, explained in 'normal English'."

"Really?" Sharpay said, opening the book, to look through it, "Can I borrow it?"

"Yes," Taylor said, "But we need to work on your paper. Do you have your assignment?"

"Yes," Sharpay said, fixing it out of her stack of books, "Isn't it due in two days or something?"

"Yeah," Taylor smiled, "I finished mine two weeks ago. How far are you?"

"Well…" Sharpay trailed off, feeling kinda guilty, "I didn't even start it."

"C'mon, Sharpay!" Taylor said, "We're in a hurry then!"

"I know." Sharpay mumbled, stating the obvious.

Taylor sighed and opened her laptop, fixing her notes and books, getting ready to do some work. Sharpay took a seat next to her, and looked at the screen. Taylor opened her own paper in 'word', and Sharpay's breath hitched in her throat, when she realized it was 9 pages long. Then Taylor opened a new paper, and started by writing Sharpay's name on top.

Mrs. McKessie broke through the door, with a tray full of cookies and two glasses with milk. She placed it on the table, and left again, leaving the two girls alone. Sharpay attacked the cookies immediately, she was really hungry. Taylor took one too, and drummed her fingers against the desk.

"Let's get moving then." She mumbled, "What subject did you get?"

"Something about electricity." Sharpay shrugged, "Do I look like I care? I haven't even read the assignment yet."

"Oh boy.." Taylor mumbled, "We have a lot of work to do."

"You don't say." Sharpay sarcastically replied, but then she caught Taylor's eye, and they both broke into laughter.

-- Sharpay – Taylor – Sharpay – Taylor --

"Oh," Taylor whined, stretching her arms, "That was like the half of it…" she turned around to find Sharpay half asleep on her bed. She giggled at the blonde girl, who was so tired she could barely keep her eyes open, "You need to come back tomorrow for the rest."

"Sure," Sharpay yawned, "What time is it?"

"Only 5:30." Taylor replied, checking her watch, "So? You wanna go home now, or do something else?"

"Can we just talk?" Sharpay asked. She didn't want to go home yet. Her parents were out of town, and Ryan was probably hanging out with somebody she didn't even know. She sat up on Taylor's bed, and crossed her legs for a real girl talk.

Taylor nodded and jumped onto the bed too. She still had something to ask Sharpay, something she had been wondering a lot about. She hoped Sharpay might be able to help her, since she was quite good with boys. "What do you want to talk about?"

"Hmm, I have no idea." Sharpay replied, giggling a little, "Didn't you have something to ask me?"

"Oh yeah," Taylor said, "It's just… I know you've had a lot of boyfriends, and I have Chad now… It's just, I can't tell if I love him. I figured, it wouldn't matter so much, but then it does. If I'm not in love with him, I want to break it off. How do you tell if you're in love anyway?" she questioned, looking deeply into Sharpay's eyes.

Sharpay tried to blink and move her eyes away, but she couldn't. She wanted to look into Taylor's eyes forever, they were the most beautiful thing, "I could tell you how I feel…" she whispered.

"Please?"

"I'm know I'm in love, when I can't stop thinking about a person. When I can't eat, can't sleep, can't think. I can't even concentrate during Drama Class. I just want to give everything to be with that person. That's when I'm in love, when nothing is better, and everything the person does is right, and it always look good, no matter what."

"Wow, that's kinda deep, Sharpay, I never thought I'd have this talk with you." Taylor mumbled.

"Yeah well…" Sharpay said, "Blame me, but I'm in too deep."

"Yeah well.." Taylor whispered, fiddling with her bed sheets, "That does clear a few things up for me."

"I helped?" Sharpay questioned, her eyes getting big.

"Yes," Taylor confirmed, "Tomorrow I'm gonna break up with Chad. He doesn't make me feel any of those things."