Name: It's Natural, I Swear!
Pairing: Troy Bolton and Ryan Evans
Author: Joey (xxBoppingAllTheWayxx)
Word Count: 500 words, exactly!
Notes: My attempt at trying to excuse Zac Efron's 'natural' (read: "orange") skin colour!

Stepping out of his father's car on a Monday morning, Troy Bolton couldn't help but notice the amused look on the faces of the people nearby, but shrugged it off nonchalantly. He slung his rucksack over his shoulder and walked into school, but his brain kept alerting him to the fact that people were now staring at him.

Standing near Troy's locker was Ryan Evans, dressed casually in matching rose-coloured shirt and trousers, with a simple flat-cap sat upon his blonde locks. He half-waved at his secret boyfriend before dissolving into giggles, sending Troy over the edge.

"What is so funny, Ryan?!" He slammed the smaller boy into the metal locker, drawing a loud squeal from him. "Ever since I got here today, people have been laughing and pointing at me, and you are going to tell me why!"

Ryan gasped for breath; the assault had robbed him of his ability to breathe. He glared at the basketball player, whom impatiently folded his arms. The Drama Student adjusted his hat in an effort to stall, but was stopped by Troy reaching out and clasping his wrists tightly, earning a frown from the blonde.

"Troy… what were you doing this weekend? What were you doing when you stood me up at the cinema?"

Ryan's question caught the Wildcat off-guard. He stammered for a moment, his minds filled with excuses, before answering nonchalantly.

"I went fishing with my father…"

"Liar!" Ryan glared at his boyfriend, furious that the brunette would be dishonest to him. "I phoned your house this weekend, Troy! I know your father was home, and so were you!" He pulled his arms free from Troy's grasp, and continued his verbal assault on him. "I obviously don't need to ask you what kept you so busy, that much is obvious…"

At that point, the pair were joined by two other people, whom were perplexed at seeing both boys act so aggressively. Sharpay placed her hands on her hips, staring at her twin with contempt, unaware of the nature of the argument and also of the boys' relationship. "Ry, why are you talking to Troy? He has better things to do than talk to y—Oh… my… god…" Sharpay's well-manicured hands flew to her both as she gasped in shock.

Gabriella, standing to the Ice Queen's right, followed her gaze towards Troy, who stood with an equal measure of anger and hurt on his face. "Uh… Hey Troy!" She waved slightly, a forced smile on her face. "How're things?"

Troy looked from Gabriella to Ryan to Sharpay, before looking back at Gabriella. "You guys all know, don't you?" In unison, the three nodded sympathetically as the carrot-coloured Wildcat dropped his head ashamedly.

In turn, Troy's three friends pulled him into an embrace, before Ryan placed a tender kiss on his lips, much to the surprise (and chagrin) of Sharpay and Gabriella.

"No offence, Troy," started Ryan, "but fake tan is noticeable…"

Troy looked up, grinning quite playfully. "It's natural, I swear!"

Another day, another chance for happiness! I think I'm in love…

Best Wishes,
Joey xx