"Crap, crap, crap," Ryan Evans repeated over and over as he realized what just happened. He and Gabbi were in the auditorium after the last show, and the only people there were the techies cleaning up and pre-setting. "Crap, crap, crap."

He didn't even want to look at Gabbi, who was sitting on the edge of the stage. Instead, he paced around some more, and repeated what seemed to be his mantra. Why did he do it? Why on Earth would he have said that? Why did he think it would change anything? 'Cause clearly, it wouldn't.

So now, after having confessed his crush on her, he was just pacing around, waiting for her reaction. Why wasn't she saying anything? Even rejection sounded better by now. At least it was an answer.

Oh, crap! Why did he do it? She was with Troy, wasn't she? At least, that's what everyone was saying. Not that he paid attention to all that, but if it was about Gabbi, he had to.

Why wasn't she answering? God, why didn't she say something?

Slowly, Ryan turned to face Gabbi, only to see she was looking right at him, a sweet smile on her face.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" she asked expectantly.

"I just… I kept hearing that you a Troy were together," he said hesitantly. Avoiding her gaze, he moved away from the stage to sit on a seat.

"But we're not, Ryan. We're not," Gabbi stood up, walked over to him and sat down, reaching for his hand. "I don't like Troy like that, not at all."

"You… You don't?" stuttered Ryan, surprised beyond words.

"No, I don't," Gabbi answered softly. "I don't like him, because… Because, well, I like someone else," she smiled at him, then continued. "In fact, the guy I like is sitting right here in front of me." Ryan looked up, shocked, then grinned widely.

"So I guess Troy can't say anything if I do this," he said, leaning in slowly. Gabbi caught the hint and leaned in, too, so their foreheads were almost touching. Then, Ryan kissed her, and was kissed back. He put a hand in her hair, running his fingers through it, something he'd always wanted to do.

'Crap, crap, crap' seemed to have been a good mantra.