This is the first part in a series of song-inspired, very short oneshots. I figured it was time I did something about all those little fanfiction scraps I have lying around. Some of them might be expanded later.

Summary: A New Year's Eve party can change your outlook on the people you thought you knew. Inspired by the song Into the Night, by Santana featuring Chad Kroeger.

Disclaimer: I do not and have never owned the High School Musical franchise, owned by Disney

Troy watched, wide eyed, as Ryan danced.

The athlete winced as a pair of grinding sophomores stumbled into him, as he shouldered his way to the front of the crowd for a better view, eyes never leaving the blond boy. The petite boy slowly turned to him, looked at him and winked, before he continued. Troy's eyes widened as his breath caught in his throat. He hoped the crowd that had gathered around the performer hadn't noticed the smaller boy's flirtatious motion.

His mind wandered back to Gabriella's drunken "dancing", nothing like Ryan's. Gabriella had ground her body against him in such a way that made him feel incredibly uncomfortable. When he thought of her "dancing", the only thing he could think was, Gabriella is such a slut.

Suddenly, he realized that all eyes were no longer on Ryan, and a slow song was playing. He sighed in disappointment that the blond boy's performance was over.

"Hey," a breath, smelling faintly of alcohol, ghosted across his ear, making him jump towards the person who had spoken. "Want to dance with me?"

Troy took in the smaller boy's tipsy smile and outstretched hand. He grinned back. "I'd love to."

Ryan led him to the edge of the crowd, before wrapping his arms around the athlete's neck. As Troy rested his hands on the performer's hips, he felt as if they were the only ones left in the world. They began to sway slowly to the music, twirling in a careful circle. Troy thought he should feel relieved to note that no grinding was involved in the performer's dance, yet somehow he decided that perhaps he wouldn't mind so much if it was Ryan.

Soon, they found themselves near the glass door to the patio of the small house. Ryan looked up at him, gesturing with one hand towards the door, questioningly. Troy nodded and silently lead the two of them out onto the empty back patio. Once out of sight, they resumed their dance.

"Three… two…!"

"One," the athlete whispered before leaning down to kissed the blond tenderly on the lips. He could feel Ryan smiling into the kiss, as their grip on each other tightened, pulling their bodies closer together.

A happy new year, indeed.