Title: The Fool.
Author: benjaholic-------------> jess.
Rating: Eventual M.
Warning: Boy slash and mature content (eventual.)
Pairing: Ryan Evans/Troy Bolton.
Summary: Love. A simple four-letter word can change everything, even a person.
Disclaimer: Don't own and it's all fake fake FAKE!
A/N: After watching "High School Musical" for the millionth time, I decided to write this.
Dedications: To Erica because she hadn't had one dedicated to her in a while and to Kendra because she takes care of me. Thanks to both of you.
chapter 001:
"Cold and Lonely As I Sit Across From Reigning Kings."
Ryan Evans gave a sigh as he tiredly gazed out the drama room's window. Even though he had an undying love for the theatre, Mrs. Darbus, the drama director, did tend to get a little carried away with her lessons. Scratch that, she was just boring. Even the grey skies and pelting rain were more exciting. Actually, Ryan happened to love the rain; it comforted him. The steady beat the pelting rain made calmed him down and cleared his mind.
"...And that's why this year I've decided to pull together a more school-appropriate version of 'Grease'," Mrs. Darbus explained to her lectured-to-death drama class. Ryan directed his green eyes towards the front of the room. "Grease", now that could be interesting.
Sharpay turned her head to the right, staring at her brother. The vibe she gave off Ryan knew meant "we've got to snag those leads". Ryan gave a little nod in response before resting his chin back down on his folded arms.
Sharpay was the more aggressive of the two Evans twins. While most of the school dubbed her the "Ice Princess", she actually was a caring person. She did everything she could to protect Ryan and when she had a strong desire for something, she worked hard to obtain it. Ryan was far more shy and opted to hide in Sharpay's shadow. It was easier for him that way. He never wanted to be the certain of attention unless he was onstage. A whole new side of him blossomed when he was onstage.
"I will pass around the sign-up sheet and once the bell rings, you're all free to go," Mrs. Darbus explained, dropping it on Troy Bolton's desk before heading to her own.
Troy Bolton was the school's basketball captain and all-around "it" boy. There wasn't one girl who didn't find him attractive and not one guy who secretly wished to be him, including Ryan (though he chose not to openly express these feelings).
Ryan pondered what role Troy would be signing up for. Since Troy's new-found singing abilities last year in the school production of "Twinkle Town", Ryan guessed he would be signing up for the lead role of Danny like he himself was considering.
"So Ryan, I was thinking we should try-out as Danny and Sandy with 'You're the One That I Want'," Sharpay declared more than suggested. Ryan just nodded dully, once again letting his sister take control. She frowned.
"Ryan, is anything wrong?" She asked, her sisterly instincts kicking in. Sharpay knew when something was up with her twin; he was her other half for crying out loud!Ryan shook his head, used to the constant concern from her. Sharpay sent him an unconvinced look, but before she could prod any further, was interrupted by a student passing her the sheet and pen. Ryan went back to staring out the window, knowing Sharpay had most likely signed the both of them up.
The final bell rung, sinalling the end of the school day and the end of the week. Ryan sighed, relieved that it was Friday, though not greatful that his sister had planned a small party for the afternoon while their parents were out on a bussiness trip in Malibu.
Ryan slung his messenger bag over his shoulder, exiting the classroom. As he passed a few basketball jocks, he heard them mutter a stinging "fag" in his general direction. Ryan always chose to ignore them. At the ending of the last school year, he had decided to come out about his sexuality and not everybody took it as well as others. Ryan kept his head high as he headed to his locker, dumping his books in and pulling his black peacoat out. He tossed it on as he made his way towards Sharpay's locker for a ride home. Heading home in a pink convertable was a lot more luxurious than having to take the bus, though it added up to the same amount of humiliation.
"Ready to go, Ry?" Sharpay asked, slipping on her own faux-fur coat.
"Almost too ready," Ryan answer. Both smiled and headed out into the rain.