I do not own High School Musical, the characters, nor do I know the sexual preferences of Zac Efron or Lucas Grabeel. However, this is about their characters, not them, so that doesn't really matter. I also don't own Elsewhere, by Sarah McLachlan. I do, however, own any characters that I might make up to put in this story that have never been in the 3 High School Musical films. This story is sort of in an alternate universe. I know it's a little short, but I just wanted to try to get it out. Eventually it'll be a Tryan.

Troy Bolton awoke to the irritating sound of his alarm clock going off. It was the first day of school, and he wasn't at all excited. He enjoyed seeing his friends everyday, but it was his senior year. For everyone else it was an exciting time. Everyone was about to finish their final year of high school and then there'd be college. But it wasn't the same for Troy.

Yeah, he'd probably be going to a great college, but he honestly didn't want to leave East High. East High had been his home for four years, and that's where he was reunited with Gabriella. After working at Lava Springs for the summer, Gabriella had told Troy that they'd be better off as friends. They just weren't meant to be a couple.

Troy also wasn't excited about senior year because he realized that for twelve years, not counting kindergarten, everyone had been going to the same school, seeing each other every day. High school, and school in general, was where everyone went to the same place to learn and they'd always hang out before and after school. But as soon as they walked across that stage and got their diplomas, they'd be going their own separate ways. The chance to follow their own dreams would be right in front of them, and every single one of them would not hesitate for a second to take that chance.

There would be no more 'hey, you want to go to the mall after school?' or 'Hey, how about we skip this class?'. Troy didn't want the year to end, because he didn't want to be alone. For the first time in his life…he wanted to be elsewhere.

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Ryan Evans rolled over in his bed, groaning as he threw his small pillow at his father.

"I'm up, Dad!"

"I don't know what's gotten into you, son. Ever since last summer you've been more…"

Ryan sat up, "I get it, Dad. I'm awake."

Mr. Evans shook his head and walked out of the room, shutting the door behind him, muttering about how he'd never understand Ryan.

"That's right, Dad…you'll never understand. No one ever will."

Ryan looked at his wrist as he snapped the rubber band against it. He let out a sigh as he got ready for school. It was senior year…and he still had very little friends. Sharpay was still a bitch, and he barely got to hang out with anyone. And as soon as they graduated, Ryan wouldn't even have his sister to hang with if she had her way-which she always did.

He'd been invited by Troy to hang out a few times, but it felt awkward. Ryan came out to a few people that he was gay, but no one made a big fuss about it. He was sure that Troy knew, which was why it surprised him that Troy had invited him to hang out, but he was sure Troy knew. Ryan shook his head as he lifted up his shirt, running his hands over his stomach.

A month ago his stomach didn't even look pale. It was black and blue…and just about every color of the rainbow. He'd probably never get over it. That night would be with him forever. But maybe graduating wouldn't be so bad. Maybe he'd get his wish and be elsewhere.

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Troy stood around his truck with Chad, Taylor, and Kelsi as Ryan pulled up in his light red convertible. If it wasn't for Sharpay, he'd have a pink one, but light red was the closest he could probably get without the drama queen biting his head off…and the sad part is that statement is literal.

Troy looked over at the car and smiled as Ryan Evans got out of his convertible. He flashed a quick smile at Troy, who thought it seemed a bit forced, and walked past them. Troy scrunched his eyebrows as he tried to think of what he could have done to offend Ryan.

He looked at everyone else, but they didn't seem to notice as they were still in their own conversations, so Troy walked after Ryan and gently pulled his arm, causing Ryan to very quickly-and violently- pull away and turn around, glaring at Troy.

When he realized it was Troy, he became a bit more relaxed, but he still looked pissed, "Troy Bolton. To what do I owe this pleasure?"

Troy raised an eyebrow, "Look, Ryan, I don't know what I did to make you angry but I'm-"

Ryan held up his finger, "If the next word that comes out of your mouth is either 'sorry' or 'apologize', I will show you and everyone who watches me why I'm the Evans that should be feared."

"Ryan, dude, calm down. What's gotten into you? I thought we were cool."

"Cool? Me? Don't try to flatter me, Troy. I know you've probably got some stupid, not to mention immature, homophobic retort hidden somewhere within this horrible charity act."

"This isn't a charity act, Ryan. And I thought I made it clear that I don't give a damn if you're gay. It's cool with me, but if that's the way you want it, then fine. Maybe you do prefer to go through this alone."

Troy turned to walk away, but stopped when Ryan spoke,

"Alone! You think I chose this? Like I actually have a say in it?! I have to go through this alone, Troy, because I am the only one in this school going through it right now!"

"That doesn't mean you have to physically be alone, Ryan! I'm trying to be a good friend to you and let you know I have your back."

"Well, did you ever stop to think that maybe I didn't need your sympathy, Troy?!"

By now the entire hallway was silent except for Ryan's voice.

"I don't need your sympathy. I can see right through you, Troy. I've learned how to do it."

Troy just rolled his eyes and walked away to homeroom, which unfortunately, was Drama with Ms. Darbus…and Ryan.

So, let me know what you think. Please review.