High School Musical Couples!
Me and
poppyfields13 have been discussing posting something on this topic for a while, and since I'm finished with my essay and posted the character one, I decided to do it now! XD
One thing notable about the HSM fandom I think, is that new or noncanon couples are actually received fairly well--at least compared to other fandoms (even horrible pairings that make some people cringe and shake their heads at--"ryartha" for example--aren't totally flamed, even if they are ignored...). Which means experminenting with different couples is somewhat encouraged. And since the characters in the movies (both major and minor) are all detailed enough to be interesting, and yet vague enough to leave a multiple amount of possiblities to their personalities; HSM is just pure gold for fanfiction and "shipping" possibilities!
So here's my list (somewhat taken from my old one on my ff.net profile) of HSM couples, the ones I support, the ones I don't, the ones I find interesting/intruiging, and why! XD
High School Musical Couples!
First listed is the characters in the pairing, followed by how I most often refer to the couple. Then the reason why I support the couple or what I think of it.
I try to keep pretty open-minded to most couples, especially in this fandom (most of the characters are versatile enough for pretty much any pairing to work if written well), so I hope you all keep open minds when reading this. ;) I am a slasher at heart for the most part (my first fandom, I was a total femslasher actually!), but I do have a pretty wide-range of pairings when it comes to HSM.
These little blurbs are based on ones I used to have on my ff.net porfile--though I have gone into more detail here and revisions have been made since some of my opinions have changed. So any links you see here go to fanfiction.net stories.
Favorite Couples // Don't Love, Don't Despise // Don't Have Much To Say On // I Do Not Support // Character Couple Notes
Favorite Pairings
RyanxSharpay (Rypay)
I am convinced the only reason Zeke's character exists was to not make this couple more emphasized than it already was in the first movie. And half of what Ryan did in the second could all be chalked up to jealousy of Sharpay paying so much attention to Troy and not him. Actually, the reason I was first interested in High School Musical and it's fandom was because of my shock and strange amazement at such an obvious "twincest" relationship in the first movie. Despite all of Ryan's stereotypical "gay" traits, I think it's impossible for anyone to honestly deny any chemsitry between the siblings, and that they don't act just like a married couple. Not to mention the lyrics to "I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You"--I swear the reason the song was cut from the movie (and BUTCHERED in the play since the twins part was cut out!!! *anger*) was because it implied something less-than-Disney during Ryan and Sharpay's part!
"Yeah we've got a good thing going on...right here is right where we belong..."
ChadxRyan (Chyan)
Don't ask me why, I just had a feeling these guys would be get along really well if they ever had a scene together--even before HSM2 (don't believe me? Look at the ff.net publish date for my fic "My Best Friends Secret")! And then came the fabulous baseball-danceoff scene in the second movie, and the slash longshot-couple suddenly became everything but Disney canon. But I mean, come on, they switched clothes. Disney couldn't hint it anymore. Plus, they compliment each other pretty well, different enough personalities to be interesting, but similar enough (in posistion of "sidekick" to a dominant character, a bit of arrogance in their otherwise friendly personality, neither overly-intelligent but not stupid either, charasmatic but both have a hard time being independent) to work well together. And again, "I Don't Dance" had more chemistry than any other scene in the first or second movie!
"You'll never know, if you never try..."
TroyxChad (Choy)
To begin with, I didn't feel any real chemistry seen between ChadxTaylor in the first movie--and I read a comment when I first got into HSM about how ridiculously obsessive Chad seemed about Troy auditioning for the musical (also "With an Empty Fist" is written pretty convincingly, along with many others). And it's true and especially obvious in the second movie that Chad seems extremely concerned and almost obsessed with his best friend's life and choices. Now the two boys do seem especially close, although I'm not sure "brothers" would be the best term for that relationship. I mean, when Troy came back to apologize to everyone (mainly Chad), that "make up" scene looked a whole lot more like a couple than two "brothers". There was more emotion there than there was when Gabriella showed up and the "Troyella" couple made up during "Everyday".
The pairing is starting to grow on me more and more, but I love Ryan and Sharpay too much for it to become one of my main ones
"If I don't know who you are these days, then who does?"
SharpayxTaylor (Shaylor)
Blame the fic "Take Me For What I Am"--and read it!! Plus, again, I really didn't feel ANY chemsitry between ChadxTaylor in the first or second movie. And in HSM2, Taylor seemed more concerned and obsessed with how Sharpay was flirting with Troy than Gabriella did. The majority of Taylor's scenes in the second movie had to do with her watching/spying on the Drama Queen. Plus, I think these two would also mesh well together--they both seem fairly independent and self-assured, but at the same time seem to have this inner need for acceptance or attention from other people. I think Taylor would also be able to handle Sharpay's tantrums and "babysit" her during her hysterics, and Sharpay is intelligent enough to hold a conversation with Taylor and know what the girl wants of her at times. I can just see Sharpay being able to make Taylor a bit speechless at times, and Taylor able to keep Sharpay's fascination/attention as well as maybe want to spoil her. ;)
"That girl's got more moves than an octopus in a wrestling match."
JasonxMartha (Jartha)
This is entirely poppyfields13's fault. Probably the first serious advocate of Jartha, given she's created an entire community dedicated to the fics. But it does make much more sense than JasonxKelsi. Kelsi is far too quiet for him, and he's too unsophisticated for her I think to seriously carry a conversation with. Martha is much more exciting, and fun! She'd probably have more tolerance for his obliviousness, and share more of his probably less than cultured interests. Kelsi needs someone who wouldn't zone out when she passionately rambles about her music and plays. More on the Jartha-Jelsi-Zelsi pairing debate here)
"Gonna make some motion pictures..."
GabriellaxKelsi (Gabsi)
Now here's a person who wouldn't zone out during Kelsi's rambles about her music and plays! Plus, Kelsi does seem fairly obsessed with the "Troyella" relationship--yet all her songs seem to be written from one person to another. Also, the girl does seem to blush and smile when Gabriella pays her attention. Gabriella does seem very fond and happy around Kelsi too. And Kelsi doesn't seem interested in any of the guys in either movie, except Troy and her interest in him seems to go as far as his relationship with Gabriella.
"You are the music in me..."
Other Pairings
TroyxGabriella (Troyella)
I didn't really see it in HSM--seemed really one-sided to me, but when "You Are The Music in Me" premiered, I suddenly fell in love with it. There was some connection in that scene that I couldn't just brush off, and looking at the two superficially without worrying about their inner-workings, they do seem to fit each other fairly well. There does seem to be some attraction here, and at the very least, both of them seem pretty unsure of themselves but fairly certain they're supposed to be together. And until someone else claims to be interested in either one of them that their friends approve of, they're probably going to stay together.
"We might find a place in this world someday..."
RyanxGabriella (Ryella)
I can't ever see this pairing actually happening, but for some reason the couple possibility does interest me, especially when it's a Dark Ryella...(See "All For the Taking" by TillThatTime!! Also "Burn" by meeker004! And definately "Love and Lust" by IncandescentAngel. Three fics, all extremely well-written, but three totally different takes on the Ryella relationship.) The two definitely as far as the movie is concerned are friends at best--and cute ones at that. Looking deeper into the characters, Ryan's most likely gay which pretty much kills the possibility of the couple (honestly their relationship looks most like a girl and her best gay guy friend). If anything, I would think the only reason they would ever get together would be to just get back at Chad/Sharpay and Troy, not as a serious couple. Plus, if Gabriella were seriously interested in Ryan at all, I doubt she would've quit working at Lava Springs so quickly.
"How do you do that swing step you did last night?"
TroyxSharpay (Troypay)
You have to admire Sharpay's devotion to Troy despite all the opposition. She does appear at least seriously interested in him. Plus, they would probably work well together too if Troy ever did give the Drama Queen a chance, in the sense that for all Troy's hesitations, Sharpay is always very sure of what she does. Sharpay does know Troy well enough to manipulate him, and they are both in that leadership type of role (though Sharpay seems much more comfortable in it). They might not be the happiest couple, but they would be a fairly powerful one and would work (I'm thinking like arranged marriages, similar to royal ones in Europe...).
"You know Troy, I've always known you were special. And it's pretty obvious I'm special too...I think we were meant to sing together."
SharpayxGabriella (Gabpay)
It would never happen, but again, I think the possibility is really interesting and could be pretty cute if done right, I'm surprised it's not more popular. (One of my favorite and only read Gabpay fics: "The Story of a Mountain Lion") Sharpay seems to "hate" Gabriella far more than Gabriella "hates" Sharpay--and it'd be interesting what would happen to them if you'd take Troy out of the equation. Their interactions always do fascinate me, because there is some tension there that isn't exactly "hate"...Gabriella does seem to have some interest in Sharpay or care about her, given she never really went out and yelled at Sharpay for all that she was doing to her and her "flirtings" with Troy, until Sharpay took action against ALL her friends and her. And even then she seemed to care about Sharpay a bit...
"You better step away from the mirror to check the damage that will always be right behind you."
SharpayxKelsi (Kelpay)
A whole new reason for Kelsi to be so scared of Sharpay and want to get her back--yet still sit at the same lunch table as her. Kelsi takes every insult that Sharpay dishes out to her without question, which makes me wonder that if at one time, there had been something there (at least before Gabriella arrived).
"I need to write you more solos...?"
GabriellaxTaylor (Tayella)
Well, they are best friends, and there's no chemistry in Taylor's relationship with Chad and a confusing one in Gabriella's with Troy. Plus, Taylor seemed much more concerned with Gabriella's relationship in the second movie than Gabriella did, and in the first movie Taylor was very very interested in Gabriella, even eating lunch with her (though she didn't seem to have many other friends to speak of) despite Gabriella continuously saying she didn't want to join the Scholastic Decathalon.
"Which is why we live in a different universe than Troy, the basketball boy."
ZekexRyan (Zyan)
If he wasn't so obsessed with Sharpay, we'd all probably think Zeke was leaning on the gay side. And the face that Ryan makes at the end of the first movie when Sharpay scoffed at Zeke and Zeke handed him the cookies is just so cute and makes one wonder....and Zeke would for sure never make a rude comment about Sharpay, and would probably be a considerate boyfriend happy to please no matter who he was dating. And then you have to wonder if there's a specific reason why Zeke's continuously chasing after a girl obviously not interested in him...and if he's noticed the other male twin yet? Especially after that baseball dance-off...
"Nice game."
.
Other Pairings I don't have too much to say on:
ZekexKelsi (Zelsi): If Kelsi has to be straight, I think Zeke is the most appropriate guy personality-wise for her, given his confidence and optimism would blend well with her shyness. Plus, he's more intelligent and would probably be more interested in her music and composistions than Jason.
ZekexJason: I don't know why, but these two do interest me! XD They do seem paired off with the guys on the basketball team since Chad and Troy are always together. Plus, they are fairly interesting as a pair, with pretty different personalities yet enough alike to make them friends and perhaps more.
ZekexSharpay (Zekepay):
I don't love this pairing, but you've got to respect Zeke's devotion. And Sharpay obviously hasn't discouraged him enough yet to turn him off...Plus, he'd give her plenty of attention which she loves. There's not much else to this pairing though...especially on Sharpay's side.
MarthaxZeke (Zartha): Would probably work, but would probably be a fairly boring couple...
SharpayxChad (Chadpay): Can only really see it working if they got together due to pining over Troy...
GabriellaxChad (Chadella): See previous.
SharpayxSharpette(s): Those girls love Sharpay far too much...and she doesn't seem to mind at all! XD
Couples I Don't Support or Can't See Working
ChadxTaylor (Chaylor)
I can't see any actual romantic chemistry between these two at all. Plus, they don't seem to be that interested in each other or their relationship anyway. There are about a total of three or four lines that relate to their relationship, and they make it sound more like a job or something they "have to do" if anything. They work as friends, and pretty good ones, but there's no attraction any other way. Plus, they seem to have more interest in their best friends than they do in their relationship.
TroyxRyan (Tryan)
In my head at least, Ryan is far too bitchy and grudge-holding against Troy for this pairing to work--especially in HSM2, just watching the reactions Ryan has to Troy when they go golfing and at the dinner, Ryan is not fond at all of East High's favorite Wildcat. Even at the end, there is still a lot of tension between the two when Troy says "I'm looking forward to it." But if nothing else, it's fun to read the love/hate relationships between the two, I do read it when I get desperate for slash. But I mean, throughout all those ramblings and times when Sharpay's going on and on about how wonderful Troy is (and we can bet she still talks about it off-screen to Ryan as well) Ryan not once show's any interest or longing. If anything, there's annoyance. Plus, Ryan and Troy wouldn't really work in a relationship either: Ryan's practically Troy's opposite. Ryan is sure of himself to the point of being conceited (especially after his HSM2 confidence-boost), very expressive and attention-seeking, and is more ignored by others since he's a sidekick and happy that way to go along with his sister's schemes. Troy is incredibly unsure of himself, very secretive and keeps his thoughts and feelings to himself, incredibly concerned with what his friends think of him as well as his family, and a leader who hates making decisions and is embarassed by attention. They just wouldn't work. Not to mention Ryan's hate/grudge against Troy, and Troy's pretty much ignorance of Ryan's existance--so if Troy ever did take an interest in the Drama King, I can't see Ryan returning affections much at all.
JasonxKesli (Jelsi)
There's really no chemistry between these two at all, and their entire relationship seems to be based on process of elemination, the basketball scene at the end of the first movie, and couples-dancing. But their interests are so different, Kelsi seems like she would be far too intelligent to really carry on a conversation with Jason that he would understand since it would mostly be music/arts-related, and Jason's conversations would probably revolve around stupid-comedy movies and sports. Either way, aside from making-out (which Kelsi seems like she'd be far too nervous or shy to do on a first date) I don't know what the two of them would spend their time together doing. And Kelsi doesn't seem to have that much interest in boys in general.
RyanxMartha (Ryartha)
There is nothing between these two, romantic or otherwise. They haven't spoken two words to eachother, and arguing Ryan having any interest in females at all is already difficult enough. The only thing they have in common is dancing, and if you were to try and place arguments for their possible romantic couple-ship, all of the arguments would fit for RyanxSharpay as well--and the latter two actually have chemistry and dialogue.
RyanxKelsi (Ryelsi)
Again, it's difficult to argue Ryan's interest in females at all, but there's at least a little more between these two than Ryartha. But still, even with the strange scenes the two do have together, and scheming together, there isn't any chemistry really to speak of. Before the second movie, Kelsi appeared to hate Ryan just as much as she did Sharpay, and Ryan cared about Kelsi as much as Sharpay did also. But now, there's still just a small friendship, if anything.
Character Couples Notes
(This part can be skipped. It's just me talking about how I think certain characters would act in relationships with anyone, and what I think their sexuality appears to be according to the movies)
Troy Bolton:
Troy is a very inward person who keeps to himself, so any character in a relationship with him would have to understand that and probably have to be able to read his expressions to understand how he's feeling. Anyone who confessed to liking him would probably have a shot with him given the fact that he hates dissapointing people and hurting them (since he hates to be disliked), although given how confused he is about his feelings, there's no garuntee how long the relationship would last or how healthy/happy it would be.Also, he doesn't seem to take much of an interest in anyone but Gabriella and Chad, so in a fanfic that would have to be acknowledge and explained if he was with someone else. (Probably gay, though he could be straight or bi, either way the poor boy's incredibly confused as is.)
Gabriella Montez:
Gabriella works fairly well with anyone, though seriously interested she doesn't seem to be especially close to anyone. Her relationship with Troy seems to depend on his interest in her, so anyone who had an interest in her would probably have to approach her first. Since she did break up with Troy once he started ignoring her, the person would have to show that they cared and not be embarassed about it. She also seems to enjoy some public displays of affection, so the person would have to be okay with that, as well as be able to carry a conversation with her. (I can see her leaning either way, although the only proof of her heterosexuality seems to be her relationship with Troy..and let's not forget how easily the song "Breaking Free" could be called "Coming Out")
Sharpay Evans:
Sharpay on the surface seems to have a huge interest in Troy, though that of course may be given up on/lessened since the second movie, not to mention she might not be serious about the interest anyway. She has plenty of confidence, and doesn't seem to care that much about what other people think, though anyone she dated would have to not get tired or upset with her big ego. To be in a healthy relationship, the other person would probably be have to be willing to once in a while bring her back down to Earth, not just stroke her ego. They'd also probably have to deal with Ryan, since the twins are incredibly close, and not get jealous of their relationship. She would probably be fine with one night stands as well. (I think she's bisexual. She's so fabulous, why limit herself to one gender? XD Plus, she isn't creeped out by her fangirls.)
Ryan Evans:
The boy's interests definitely lean towards the male gender, but short of Troy (given his obvious grudge/hate of the boy) he'd probably work well with pretty much anyone. Of course, he's especially close to his sister (something anyone dating her would definitely have to not get jealous about), so anyone who had problems with her would most likely have to get over them or at least not insult her around him. He'd also probably be very into public displays of affection given how expressive he already is, so his partner would probably have to be okay with that unless there was a serious issue preventing that. He also seems conceited/confident enough with himself to have one night stands without issues with feelings. (Probably gay....except for his sister. A five (0-6) on the kinsey scale, since he has virtually no interest in women except for his sister, and has been created by Disney with pretty much every homosexual stereotype possible.)
Chad Danforth:
Chad in the first movie doesn't show any interest in anyone outside his best friend Troy Bolton. That's still the case in the second movie, though he does seem to enjoy spending time with Ryan. In any relationship other than those two, his interest/obsession with Troy would have to be explained. The person would have to be able to say how they felt to him, given that he probably would get worried or insecure with his partner unless they assured him of their feelings. He also seems to be far too sensitive a person to have one-night-stands. (Gay...his obsession with Troy and "I Don't Dance" both are more than enough to affirm that)
Taylor McKessie
The only people Taylor seems to take real interest in during either movies are Gabriella and Sharpay. She's supposedly dating Chad, but there isn't any real chemistry there at all, and that relationship doesn't seem to take a high level of importance to her. She's rather self assured, but the person she's with would probably have to be a good communicator and have a fairly good vocabulary. She wouldn't probably pay much attention or give much time to a person she couldn't carry a conversation with, or was sports-obsessed. (I honestly see her as gay, but that may just be because she doesn't seem to care much for any of the HSM male characters nor do I see her working very well with any of them)
What do you guys think?
poppyfields13 have been discussing posting something on this topic for a while, and since I'm finished with my essay and posted the character one, I decided to do it now! XD
One thing notable about the HSM fandom I think, is that new or noncanon couples are actually received fairly well--at least compared to other fandoms (even horrible pairings that make some people cringe and shake their heads at--"ryartha" for example--aren't totally flamed, even if they are ignored...). Which means experminenting with different couples is somewhat encouraged. And since the characters in the movies (both major and minor) are all detailed enough to be interesting, and yet vague enough to leave a multiple amount of possiblities to their personalities; HSM is just pure gold for fanfiction and "shipping" possibilities!
So here's my list (somewhat taken from my old one on my ff.net profile) of HSM couples, the ones I support, the ones I don't, the ones I find interesting/intruiging, and why! XD
High School Musical Couples!
First listed is the characters in the pairing, followed by how I most often refer to the couple. Then the reason why I support the couple or what I think of it.
I try to keep pretty open-minded to most couples, especially in this fandom (most of the characters are versatile enough for pretty much any pairing to work if written well), so I hope you all keep open minds when reading this. ;) I am a slasher at heart for the most part (my first fandom, I was a total femslasher actually!), but I do have a pretty wide-range of pairings when it comes to HSM.
These little blurbs are based on ones I used to have on my ff.net porfile--though I have gone into more detail here and revisions have been made since some of my opinions have changed. So any links you see here go to fanfiction.net stories.
Favorite Couples // Don't Love, Don't Despise // Don't Have Much To Say On // I Do Not Support // Character Couple Notes
Favorite Pairings
RyanxSharpay (Rypay)
I am convinced the only reason Zeke's character exists was to not make this couple more emphasized than it already was in the first movie. And half of what Ryan did in the second could all be chalked up to jealousy of Sharpay paying so much attention to Troy and not him. Actually, the reason I was first interested in High School Musical and it's fandom was because of my shock and strange amazement at such an obvious "twincest" relationship in the first movie. Despite all of Ryan's stereotypical "gay" traits, I think it's impossible for anyone to honestly deny any chemsitry between the siblings, and that they don't act just like a married couple. Not to mention the lyrics to "I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You"--I swear the reason the song was cut from the movie (and BUTCHERED in the play since the twins part was cut out!!! *anger*) was because it implied something less-than-Disney during Ryan and Sharpay's part!
"Yeah we've got a good thing going on...right here is right where we belong..."
ChadxRyan (Chyan)
Don't ask me why, I just had a feeling these guys would be get along really well if they ever had a scene together--even before HSM2 (don't believe me? Look at the ff.net publish date for my fic "My Best Friends Secret")! And then came the fabulous baseball-danceoff scene in the second movie, and the slash longshot-couple suddenly became everything but Disney canon. But I mean, come on, they switched clothes. Disney couldn't hint it anymore. Plus, they compliment each other pretty well, different enough personalities to be interesting, but similar enough (in posistion of "sidekick" to a dominant character, a bit of arrogance in their otherwise friendly personality, neither overly-intelligent but not stupid either, charasmatic but both have a hard time being independent) to work well together. And again, "I Don't Dance" had more chemistry than any other scene in the first or second movie!
"You'll never know, if you never try..."
TroyxChad (Choy)
To begin with, I didn't feel any real chemistry seen between ChadxTaylor in the first movie--and I read a comment when I first got into HSM about how ridiculously obsessive Chad seemed about Troy auditioning for the musical (also "With an Empty Fist" is written pretty convincingly, along with many others). And it's true and especially obvious in the second movie that Chad seems extremely concerned and almost obsessed with his best friend's life and choices. Now the two boys do seem especially close, although I'm not sure "brothers" would be the best term for that relationship. I mean, when Troy came back to apologize to everyone (mainly Chad), that "make up" scene looked a whole lot more like a couple than two "brothers". There was more emotion there than there was when Gabriella showed up and the "Troyella" couple made up during "Everyday".
The pairing is starting to grow on me more and more, but I love Ryan and Sharpay too much for it to become one of my main ones
"If I don't know who you are these days, then who does?"
SharpayxTaylor (Shaylor)
Blame the fic "Take Me For What I Am"--and read it!! Plus, again, I really didn't feel ANY chemsitry between ChadxTaylor in the first or second movie. And in HSM2, Taylor seemed more concerned and obsessed with how Sharpay was flirting with Troy than Gabriella did. The majority of Taylor's scenes in the second movie had to do with her watching/spying on the Drama Queen. Plus, I think these two would also mesh well together--they both seem fairly independent and self-assured, but at the same time seem to have this inner need for acceptance or attention from other people. I think Taylor would also be able to handle Sharpay's tantrums and "babysit" her during her hysterics, and Sharpay is intelligent enough to hold a conversation with Taylor and know what the girl wants of her at times. I can just see Sharpay being able to make Taylor a bit speechless at times, and Taylor able to keep Sharpay's fascination/attention as well as maybe want to spoil her. ;)
"That girl's got more moves than an octopus in a wrestling match."
JasonxMartha (Jartha)
This is entirely poppyfields13's fault. Probably the first serious advocate of Jartha, given she's created an entire community dedicated to the fics. But it does make much more sense than JasonxKelsi. Kelsi is far too quiet for him, and he's too unsophisticated for her I think to seriously carry a conversation with. Martha is much more exciting, and fun! She'd probably have more tolerance for his obliviousness, and share more of his probably less than cultured interests. Kelsi needs someone who wouldn't zone out when she passionately rambles about her music and plays. More on the Jartha-Jelsi-Zelsi pairing debate here)
"Gonna make some motion pictures..."
GabriellaxKelsi (Gabsi)
Now here's a person who wouldn't zone out during Kelsi's rambles about her music and plays! Plus, Kelsi does seem fairly obsessed with the "Troyella" relationship--yet all her songs seem to be written from one person to another. Also, the girl does seem to blush and smile when Gabriella pays her attention. Gabriella does seem very fond and happy around Kelsi too. And Kelsi doesn't seem interested in any of the guys in either movie, except Troy and her interest in him seems to go as far as his relationship with Gabriella.
"You are the music in me..."
Other Pairings
TroyxGabriella (Troyella)
I didn't really see it in HSM--seemed really one-sided to me, but when "You Are The Music in Me" premiered, I suddenly fell in love with it. There was some connection in that scene that I couldn't just brush off, and looking at the two superficially without worrying about their inner-workings, they do seem to fit each other fairly well. There does seem to be some attraction here, and at the very least, both of them seem pretty unsure of themselves but fairly certain they're supposed to be together. And until someone else claims to be interested in either one of them that their friends approve of, they're probably going to stay together.
"We might find a place in this world someday..."
RyanxGabriella (Ryella)
I can't ever see this pairing actually happening, but for some reason the couple possibility does interest me, especially when it's a Dark Ryella...(See "All For the Taking" by TillThatTime!! Also "Burn" by meeker004! And definately "Love and Lust" by IncandescentAngel. Three fics, all extremely well-written, but three totally different takes on the Ryella relationship.) The two definitely as far as the movie is concerned are friends at best--and cute ones at that. Looking deeper into the characters, Ryan's most likely gay which pretty much kills the possibility of the couple (honestly their relationship looks most like a girl and her best gay guy friend). If anything, I would think the only reason they would ever get together would be to just get back at Chad/Sharpay and Troy, not as a serious couple. Plus, if Gabriella were seriously interested in Ryan at all, I doubt she would've quit working at Lava Springs so quickly.
"How do you do that swing step you did last night?"
TroyxSharpay (Troypay)
You have to admire Sharpay's devotion to Troy despite all the opposition. She does appear at least seriously interested in him. Plus, they would probably work well together too if Troy ever did give the Drama Queen a chance, in the sense that for all Troy's hesitations, Sharpay is always very sure of what she does. Sharpay does know Troy well enough to manipulate him, and they are both in that leadership type of role (though Sharpay seems much more comfortable in it). They might not be the happiest couple, but they would be a fairly powerful one and would work (I'm thinking like arranged marriages, similar to royal ones in Europe...).
"You know Troy, I've always known you were special. And it's pretty obvious I'm special too...I think we were meant to sing together."
SharpayxGabriella (Gabpay)
It would never happen, but again, I think the possibility is really interesting and could be pretty cute if done right, I'm surprised it's not more popular. (One of my favorite and only read Gabpay fics: "The Story of a Mountain Lion") Sharpay seems to "hate" Gabriella far more than Gabriella "hates" Sharpay--and it'd be interesting what would happen to them if you'd take Troy out of the equation. Their interactions always do fascinate me, because there is some tension there that isn't exactly "hate"...Gabriella does seem to have some interest in Sharpay or care about her, given she never really went out and yelled at Sharpay for all that she was doing to her and her "flirtings" with Troy, until Sharpay took action against ALL her friends and her. And even then she seemed to care about Sharpay a bit...
"You better step away from the mirror to check the damage that will always be right behind you."
SharpayxKelsi (Kelpay)
A whole new reason for Kelsi to be so scared of Sharpay and want to get her back--yet still sit at the same lunch table as her. Kelsi takes every insult that Sharpay dishes out to her without question, which makes me wonder that if at one time, there had been something there (at least before Gabriella arrived).
"I need to write you more solos...?"
GabriellaxTaylor (Tayella)
Well, they are best friends, and there's no chemistry in Taylor's relationship with Chad and a confusing one in Gabriella's with Troy. Plus, Taylor seemed much more concerned with Gabriella's relationship in the second movie than Gabriella did, and in the first movie Taylor was very very interested in Gabriella, even eating lunch with her (though she didn't seem to have many other friends to speak of) despite Gabriella continuously saying she didn't want to join the Scholastic Decathalon.
"Which is why we live in a different universe than Troy, the basketball boy."
ZekexRyan (Zyan)
If he wasn't so obsessed with Sharpay, we'd all probably think Zeke was leaning on the gay side. And the face that Ryan makes at the end of the first movie when Sharpay scoffed at Zeke and Zeke handed him the cookies is just so cute and makes one wonder....and Zeke would for sure never make a rude comment about Sharpay, and would probably be a considerate boyfriend happy to please no matter who he was dating. And then you have to wonder if there's a specific reason why Zeke's continuously chasing after a girl obviously not interested in him...and if he's noticed the other male twin yet? Especially after that baseball dance-off...
"Nice game."
.
Other Pairings I don't have too much to say on:
ZekexKelsi (Zelsi): If Kelsi has to be straight, I think Zeke is the most appropriate guy personality-wise for her, given his confidence and optimism would blend well with her shyness. Plus, he's more intelligent and would probably be more interested in her music and composistions than Jason.
ZekexJason: I don't know why, but these two do interest me! XD They do seem paired off with the guys on the basketball team since Chad and Troy are always together. Plus, they are fairly interesting as a pair, with pretty different personalities yet enough alike to make them friends and perhaps more.
ZekexSharpay (Zekepay):
I don't love this pairing, but you've got to respect Zeke's devotion. And Sharpay obviously hasn't discouraged him enough yet to turn him off...Plus, he'd give her plenty of attention which she loves. There's not much else to this pairing though...especially on Sharpay's side.
MarthaxZeke (Zartha): Would probably work, but would probably be a fairly boring couple...
SharpayxChad (Chadpay): Can only really see it working if they got together due to pining over Troy...
GabriellaxChad (Chadella): See previous.
SharpayxSharpette(s): Those girls love Sharpay far too much...and she doesn't seem to mind at all! XD
Couples I Don't Support or Can't See Working
ChadxTaylor (Chaylor)
I can't see any actual romantic chemistry between these two at all. Plus, they don't seem to be that interested in each other or their relationship anyway. There are about a total of three or four lines that relate to their relationship, and they make it sound more like a job or something they "have to do" if anything. They work as friends, and pretty good ones, but there's no attraction any other way. Plus, they seem to have more interest in their best friends than they do in their relationship.
TroyxRyan (Tryan)
In my head at least, Ryan is far too bitchy and grudge-holding against Troy for this pairing to work--especially in HSM2, just watching the reactions Ryan has to Troy when they go golfing and at the dinner, Ryan is not fond at all of East High's favorite Wildcat. Even at the end, there is still a lot of tension between the two when Troy says "I'm looking forward to it." But if nothing else, it's fun to read the love/hate relationships between the two, I do read it when I get desperate for slash. But I mean, throughout all those ramblings and times when Sharpay's going on and on about how wonderful Troy is (and we can bet she still talks about it off-screen to Ryan as well) Ryan not once show's any interest or longing. If anything, there's annoyance. Plus, Ryan and Troy wouldn't really work in a relationship either: Ryan's practically Troy's opposite. Ryan is sure of himself to the point of being conceited (especially after his HSM2 confidence-boost), very expressive and attention-seeking, and is more ignored by others since he's a sidekick and happy that way to go along with his sister's schemes. Troy is incredibly unsure of himself, very secretive and keeps his thoughts and feelings to himself, incredibly concerned with what his friends think of him as well as his family, and a leader who hates making decisions and is embarassed by attention. They just wouldn't work. Not to mention Ryan's hate/grudge against Troy, and Troy's pretty much ignorance of Ryan's existance--so if Troy ever did take an interest in the Drama King, I can't see Ryan returning affections much at all.
JasonxKesli (Jelsi)
There's really no chemistry between these two at all, and their entire relationship seems to be based on process of elemination, the basketball scene at the end of the first movie, and couples-dancing. But their interests are so different, Kelsi seems like she would be far too intelligent to really carry on a conversation with Jason that he would understand since it would mostly be music/arts-related, and Jason's conversations would probably revolve around stupid-comedy movies and sports. Either way, aside from making-out (which Kelsi seems like she'd be far too nervous or shy to do on a first date) I don't know what the two of them would spend their time together doing. And Kelsi doesn't seem to have that much interest in boys in general.
RyanxMartha (Ryartha)
There is nothing between these two, romantic or otherwise. They haven't spoken two words to eachother, and arguing Ryan having any interest in females at all is already difficult enough. The only thing they have in common is dancing, and if you were to try and place arguments for their possible romantic couple-ship, all of the arguments would fit for RyanxSharpay as well--and the latter two actually have chemistry and dialogue.
RyanxKelsi (Ryelsi)
Again, it's difficult to argue Ryan's interest in females at all, but there's at least a little more between these two than Ryartha. But still, even with the strange scenes the two do have together, and scheming together, there isn't any chemistry really to speak of. Before the second movie, Kelsi appeared to hate Ryan just as much as she did Sharpay, and Ryan cared about Kelsi as much as Sharpay did also. But now, there's still just a small friendship, if anything.
Character Couples Notes
(This part can be skipped. It's just me talking about how I think certain characters would act in relationships with anyone, and what I think their sexuality appears to be according to the movies)
Troy Bolton:
Troy is a very inward person who keeps to himself, so any character in a relationship with him would have to understand that and probably have to be able to read his expressions to understand how he's feeling. Anyone who confessed to liking him would probably have a shot with him given the fact that he hates dissapointing people and hurting them (since he hates to be disliked), although given how confused he is about his feelings, there's no garuntee how long the relationship would last or how healthy/happy it would be.Also, he doesn't seem to take much of an interest in anyone but Gabriella and Chad, so in a fanfic that would have to be acknowledge and explained if he was with someone else. (Probably gay, though he could be straight or bi, either way the poor boy's incredibly confused as is.)
Gabriella Montez:
Gabriella works fairly well with anyone, though seriously interested she doesn't seem to be especially close to anyone. Her relationship with Troy seems to depend on his interest in her, so anyone who had an interest in her would probably have to approach her first. Since she did break up with Troy once he started ignoring her, the person would have to show that they cared and not be embarassed about it. She also seems to enjoy some public displays of affection, so the person would have to be okay with that, as well as be able to carry a conversation with her. (I can see her leaning either way, although the only proof of her heterosexuality seems to be her relationship with Troy..and let's not forget how easily the song "Breaking Free" could be called "Coming Out")
Sharpay Evans:
Sharpay on the surface seems to have a huge interest in Troy, though that of course may be given up on/lessened since the second movie, not to mention she might not be serious about the interest anyway. She has plenty of confidence, and doesn't seem to care that much about what other people think, though anyone she dated would have to not get tired or upset with her big ego. To be in a healthy relationship, the other person would probably be have to be willing to once in a while bring her back down to Earth, not just stroke her ego. They'd also probably have to deal with Ryan, since the twins are incredibly close, and not get jealous of their relationship. She would probably be fine with one night stands as well. (I think she's bisexual. She's so fabulous, why limit herself to one gender? XD Plus, she isn't creeped out by her fangirls.)
Ryan Evans:
The boy's interests definitely lean towards the male gender, but short of Troy (given his obvious grudge/hate of the boy) he'd probably work well with pretty much anyone. Of course, he's especially close to his sister (something anyone dating her would definitely have to not get jealous about), so anyone who had problems with her would most likely have to get over them or at least not insult her around him. He'd also probably be very into public displays of affection given how expressive he already is, so his partner would probably have to be okay with that unless there was a serious issue preventing that. He also seems conceited/confident enough with himself to have one night stands without issues with feelings. (Probably gay....except for his sister. A five (0-6) on the kinsey scale, since he has virtually no interest in women except for his sister, and has been created by Disney with pretty much every homosexual stereotype possible.)
Chad Danforth:
Chad in the first movie doesn't show any interest in anyone outside his best friend Troy Bolton. That's still the case in the second movie, though he does seem to enjoy spending time with Ryan. In any relationship other than those two, his interest/obsession with Troy would have to be explained. The person would have to be able to say how they felt to him, given that he probably would get worried or insecure with his partner unless they assured him of their feelings. He also seems to be far too sensitive a person to have one-night-stands. (Gay...his obsession with Troy and "I Don't Dance" both are more than enough to affirm that)
Taylor McKessie
The only people Taylor seems to take real interest in during either movies are Gabriella and Sharpay. She's supposedly dating Chad, but there isn't any real chemistry there at all, and that relationship doesn't seem to take a high level of importance to her. She's rather self assured, but the person she's with would probably have to be a good communicator and have a fairly good vocabulary. She wouldn't probably pay much attention or give much time to a person she couldn't carry a conversation with, or was sports-obsessed. (I honestly see her as gay, but that may just be because she doesn't seem to care much for any of the HSM male characters nor do I see her working very well with any of them)
What do you guys think?