Start Again

Part II

—x.O.x—

A deeply amused warm chuckle sounded in the thin air. Ryan's breath came up short as he felt Troy's heat surround him.

"I know you're awake."

Ryan mentally repeated the words. Ohcrap.

Ryan's heart was beating rapidly. Sweat collecting at his brow, he wasn't letting up. He continued to lay stiffly, all movements arrested. His body felt taut and horribly—embarrassingly aroused. He couldn't bear the torture any longer. His fingers itched to dig his blunt nails into the plastic covered surface below his body.

He wanted to shut his eyes tightly for at least the miniscule escape it provided. But it wasn't possible, because Ryan was all too aware of a pair of deep blue eyes watching his every move.

"So, you're gonna pretend not hear me, huh?" Troy's voice was like hot smooth liquid sliding down Ryan's throat. Ryan swallowed impulsively.

No, I don't hear you.

I'm unconscious. I'm unconscious. I'm unconscious.

I need to breathe. Breathe. Ryan, breathe—

"You're so stubborn," Troy said in a suddenly very irritatingly amused voice. Anger flared in Ryan, Stubborn?!

Click.

The door was opened.

And Ryan felt a whoosh of air. Troy left him on the bed. Coolness hitting the skin on his arms and neck, his damp skin drying as chills swept through him. His arousal evaporated as the chills seeped in …along with foreign footsteps entering the room.

"Oh Troy, thank you sweetheart, I've contacted Ryan's parents," The nurse said quickly. …Parents?

"No problem," Troy replied, completely innocent and devoid of any wrong doing. Ryan was impressed and also very confused. The Troy Bolton everyone knew was the kind and considerate golden boy of every girl's dreams…So, who the hell was the guy just a few moments before? Touching him so intimately and so heat inducing…

Where the hell was that golden boy act when you had your hand up my thigh?!

He heard her fast footsteps around him and then he felt cold fingers press into his temples, rubbing the sides of his forehead in soft circles, "Oh dear, I just don't understand how he hasn't woken up yet," She said quietly. Her worried voice strung a bit of guilt out of Ryan. The cold fingers left his head and he felt her presence drift away from him. "Troy did you see any movements or heard him say any anything at all?"

Ryan felt fear course through him in the brief silence. Then Troy innocently said, "He hasn't said a word." And it's true I haven't said a peep. Tricky Troy. Ryan internally smirked.

Then Ryan started to relax. This was a matter of inner principle, he thought firmly. He was an actor. This was a role. And he wasn't lying…per say. He was…providing culture. He was sharing art with the greater masses. He was fine tuning his talent.

He was saving himself from further embarrassment.

At this point, he couldn't think of a better explanation. And honestly, he didn't want to think about it—this at all.

"Thank you again, Troy, you may leave," Her voice was warm and kind.

The door creaked open.

"Okay, no problem," his voice was rich with an indefinable something, it made Ryan shiver. And if Ryan didn't know any better he would have thought it innocent.

Then the door shut closed.

Ryan's whole body relaxed into the bed, his muscles felt like jelly.

He melted into the papery-plastic cushion beneath him as he heard the nurse hum softly to herself, shuffling around the office, answering calls. He felt safe.

Until a brief rapping at the door, the creak of the door opening once again, and his father's voice resounding in the room.

"I'm here to see my son."

—x.O.x—

The drive home was a silent one.

His father was wearing one of his grey suits, sleek and expensive, his blond hair combed back. He must have been at work, Ryan thought with dread.

Each tree passed the window so quickly, it blurred into the next identical tree, until it was just a line of green atop a line of bark. His eyes didn't wander to the street out the window for leisure; instead his eyes were carefully averted from his father's grey form sitting just a few feet away. He could practically hear his irritation. It was the dead silence in the car, nothing but the engine and occasional bumps on the road breaking it.

Ryan felt a small sigh escape him. This is such a crappy day.

Ryan leaned further back, sinking into the leather seat, uncomfortable and suddenly very tired. Yet, the sun heated his arm leaning against the window, and the bright rays kept his eyes wide and very alert.

A deep heartfelt sigh broke the silence sharply. Ryan slowly turned to his father but the older man's eyes were still on the road. For a moment it felt as if his father hadn't made a noise at all.

Until his father cleared his throat. "Son," he said finally. Ryan tensed, and his father shook his head tiredly, "I thought," he paused briefly, before he tentatively said, "I thought you had…rid yourself of this…habit."

Ryan looked at his father in confusion. "What?"

His father's lips quirked up on one side, Ryan furrowed his eyebrows, his father looked…amused…?

"You probably don't remember," he chuckled, "When you were just a little ducky," his father teased, "You used to drive the daycare workers crazy pretending to be unconscious," he shook his head, a bit of laughter escaping his usually reserved expression.

Ryan sat up straight, shocked. "I acted unconscious when I was little?"

Then his father laughed fully and Ryan blushed.

He gave a side-long glance to regard his son, before a smile tugged at his lips, "It's alright," he said kindly, "To be embarrassed, son." Then his father chuckled again, "I suppose I never did get rid of that note attached in your medical records, your mother and I, well, we didn't want you to get sent to the hospital without an actual problem, we were very specific on the note, only if you were seriously injured were you taken to the hospital." He shook his head as he grinned. "I'm glad now, I forgot all about it."

Ryan pouted, "I don't remember ever doing that," he muttered. He felt a little upset suddenly, especially when his actions now, in his senior year of high school, were identical to that of his younger self.

"Ah, you were maybe five or four," his father said wistfully. "At least you didn't terrorize the caregivers like your sister." Ryan laughed at the image of a pint-sized Sharpay with a temper three times her height.

"Speaking of your sister… I was told what …happened…is there anything you want to talk about?" His father said.

Ryan became quiet, feeling really silly suddenly. He pulled a stunt like this before? Before he even went to kindergarten?

I am one bizarre kid.

"Son?" He sounded concerned.

Ryan shook his head, "No, no, I just—it was nothing," he said quickly. "I don't even really know why I did it, I guess."

His father hummed in understanding. "Well, if you ever want to talk," he trailed off. And Ryan understood.

Soon they arrived at the Evans' Estate. And as they entered the grand house, his father turned to him, a smile tugging its way into his lips, "Let's hope I don't have to leave work during your college years for another incident like this."

Ryan rolled his eyes as his cheeks colored in embarrassment. He felt like such a little kid.

"Sorry, dad," Ryan mumbled.

As soon as the grand door closed shut behind them a rush of pink came at him.

"Oh Ryan!" Sharpay wailed.

Ryan hugged her awkwardly, "Hey Shar," he said. He looked at his father over Sharpay's shoulder, past her blonde locks, his father merely gave him a knowing look before shaking his head and walking toward his office.

"I had to come home quick," She cried on his shoulder, "I was too distressed to continue." Ryan rolled his eyes, yeah right.

His mother came rushing through, giving him a squeeze after his sister. "Oh, ducky," she smiled a little too knowingly, "My little actor."

Ryan felt irritation flair within him suddenly. His sister looked at their mother in confusion.

"I'll be in my room," he grumbled.

As he stepped up the long staircase he heard his mother and sister's chatter drift away.

"He had a rough day," his mother said understandingly, her voice far away.

It was the last thing he heard before he entered his room and collapsed on his bed.

—x.O.x—

Ryan felt prickly jitters lining his belly the next morning. It was one of those days where he was dreading going to school. It's been awhile since he had a day like this, maybe since that day in sophomore year where he had a bad haircut, or the day Troy was cast as the male lead in Twinkle Towne in junior year.

And for some reason, Ryan felt his belly prickle in an entirely different way when he thought of Troy, and his voice rich, heat filled, and heavy.

Taking a deep shaky breath, Ryan stepped out of his sister's car.

"—is not what kind of yellow I like." His sister had been talking Ryan realized vaguely. He was so lost in his thoughts he hadn't heard anything but the warning bells ringing in his head, telling him to get as far away from the school grounds as possible.

"Ryan?"

The bells were clear in his mind, chimes blaring.

"RYAN!"

Sharpay stood very near him, wearing a beautifully pale pink sweater and white belt over a deeper rose colored skirt glittered with a sliver-like shine. Her heals were very sharp as they stomped quite near his very new sneakers. He shifted his poor feet away from the pointy shoes. Her eyes narrowed in irritation briefly, then for a reason unknown to Ryan, her eyes softened.

"You hit your head harder than I thought," she said sympathetically.

Ryan bit the inside of his cheek, saying nothing.

"Oh, Ry," She laid her hand on his shoulder gently. "It's okay," she patted the spot atop his hat and smiled at him sweetly before skipping off ahead of him.

Ryan grumbled to himself as he trudged after her.

Yup, it's definitely one of those days.

In the halls, people looked at him. It was brief …but long enough for Ryan to feel it imprinted on his skin, gazes amused and very curious. Ryan hadn't a clue what they wanted to know but whatever it was he wasn't spilling.

The only person who hadn't stared was Troy. It unnerved Ryan slightly. Settling himself in his seat, his first class of the day, Ryan found his gaze lingering on the brunet.

Troy was sitting on top of his desk, half turned to face Gabriella as they talked quietly. Gabriella locked gazes with Ryan and smiled, giving a small wave. Then Troy turned slightly to face Ryan, his eyes glinted in amusement as a slow smirk graced his tan face.

Ryan's eyes widened as his cheeks colored unexpectedly, he looked around the classroom quickly. The halls were busy but the classroom was still fairly empty. When he looked back at Troy the brunet was already chatting with Gabriella.

Ryan blinked. Did anyone just see that?

Sharpay still hadn't made her entrance and more students were taking their seats, books in hand, coming from their respective lockers.

A basketball being dribbled sounded in the halls and then most of the basketball team spilled into the classroom.

Chad Danforth loudly inquired about Ryan's health and Ryan ducked his head in embarrassment.

"Ow," Chad rubbed his head where Taylor smacked him. She shook her head and gave an apologetic look to the blond boy. "I just wanted to know if he was alright, jeez." The students snickered.

Sharpay sauntered in. Her hands up, the bangles on her wrists glittering and angled just so. And no one looked. Ryan felt prickles down his neck, eyes wandering in his direction for far too long.

Looking thoroughly agitated, she sat down at her desk in a huff. She turned to look at him, Ryan raised an eyebrow. "Oh, don't look all innocent," she turned around clearly bothered, muttering something about attention-seeking brothers.

Ryan sighed. This is going to be a long day.

—x.O.x—

The day went by slowly like a form of torture, leaving Ryan's cheeks permanently scarlet, and his demeanor irate.

Kids snickering behind his back, some imitating his arms flaying about as he fell the day before, mummers and laughter and a weight of lead dropping dead in his stomach—Ryan walked stiffly through the halls, head high, and above it all. At least he learned one thing from his sister, and that was the act of superiority, even if you felt like crap.

Looking over at Sharpay, leaning against Zeke by his locker as she fluttered her eyelashes, he pouted in annoyance. He needed help! And she was too busy with her boyfriend to care about her dear and only brother, her twin.

Opening his locker, Ryan stuffed his notebooks in roughly.

"Shouldn't dancers have better coordination," One girl among a small group said loudly, passing Ryan, of course, Ryan thought grimly, with Sharpay out of sight he was like a lamb ready for slaughter. Maybe I should have acted mentally ill after all.

Ryan's cheeks flared in red as he conjured the darkest glare he could manage. The girls looked surprised for a moment before looking to themselves and giggling. What was he a clown? He growled as he slammed his locker.

Lunch was next.

Another group of girls started giggling as they passed him. He threw them a glare, and they shuffled away with smiles hidden behind their hands. He always knew he hated girls. He was relieved most of the guys weren't so horrible. They made jokes, of course, but it didn't go farther than that.

Suddenly, Chad swung an arm around his shoulder, "Hey man," he said cheerfully. Ryan lips thinned.

"Why so glum, chum?" Jason Cross said as he came on his other side, and then he laughed at his own rhyme. Chad rolled his eyes. Some of the basketball team surrounded him, minus the captain. Ryan felt an unexplained relief at that. He didn't think he could handle the shaggy brunet again so soon.

"Want to mock me further, well, go ahead then," Ryan said rather irritably.

Chad patted his shoulder, "No way, we wouldn't do that to you." They were all wearing their basketball uniforms now, must have changed some time between classes for the game later today.

"Well, everyone else seems pretty happy to do it," he muttered. And just as they entered the cafeteria a few more girls passed him, they looked at him briefly and then at each other, smiling.

"Ah, I don't think it's that," One of the players said, chuckling.

"Huh?" Chad let go of the blond and turned to his team. Jason raised an eyebrow as he watched several girls look at Ryan and then turn away blushing.

Then Chad chuckled, "Looks like Troy's got competition, seems like Ryan is the new hot stuff at East High," the guys laughed and Ryan felt his ears burn.

"What?!" Ryan looked at Chad wildly, "Why?"

Chad shrugged, "How should I know? You're not too bad to look at, I guess" he grinned. Ryan brushed passed the curly brunet, and the rather amused basketball team, suddenly he was very annoyed.

Will this day ever end?! The day was just getting weirder and weirder by the minute.

He trudged to the lunch line filled with people, feeling dread. His lips in a thin line and his disposition irate, his thoughts crowded with questions. What the hell are the girls on? They thought me falling like a rag doll half way across the cafeteria was cute?!

He growled as he snatched his lunch tray. What good is having girls like me anyway? I don't even like girls.

"You're pretty popular these days," A girl's soft voice said.

Gabriella and Kelsi were standing just behind him, smiling all cheerily. Ryan frowned.

Kelsi laughed, "Yeah, popular's the word," she said, answering Gabriella.

They held their lunch trays, standing beside each other, Gabriella clad in blue and pink pastels and Kelsi with her cap and earth colored tones. Ryan managed a half-smile. "More like East High's comedy relief." He turned to the line as it moved forward.

"Hmm, seems like this new grumpy attitude is really attracting some girls," he heard Gabriella say.

He turned around quickly, narrowing his eyes. Both girls gave identical cheeky smiles and innocent eyes, fluttering lashes. If he didn't know any better...no, what was he thinking? Gabriella and Kelsi were as innocent as you could get.

He heard more giggles from some girls on the line, Gabriella and Kelsi just shared a look of amusement.

He turned around again, huffing in annoyance. "Why's that?" He said testily. This day was grating on his nerves, he felt like punching something. And he's usually not such a violent person. He didn't know where this anger and frustration was coming from.

"Hmm, I dunno, maybe girls like guys who can…take a fall," Gabriella bit her lip as Kelsi giggled.

Ryan glared death as his cheeks turned a pinker hue.

"Ah ha! There," Gabriella pointed at his face, "That's why, you look so cute when you blush, Ryan," she grinned. Kelsi covered her mouth with her hand, stifling another fit of giggles.

Ryan blushed harder, a sweep of rosy pink reaching down his neck. He turned around with a growl. That's it, I officially hate girls. He silently vowed never to speak to one again.

"Oh, please don't be mad," Kelsi said pleadingly.

"Ryan? You're not angry with us, are you?" Gabriella asked worriedly.

Ryan didn't turn around, remaining silent.

"Ryan?"

"Oh, come on."

"It was just a joke!"

"Don't be like that!"

"Ryan?"

"We didn't mean it!"

"Ryan?"

"Ryan?"

"ALRIGHT!" Ryan twirled around, chest heaving, "Fine. I'm not mad, okay," he sighed heavily before turning around again. Damn it, how long is this stupid line!

So much for that vow.

Across the cafeteria, behind a wide red table and a crowd of wildcats, Ryan found himself staring straight into strikingly deep blue eyes. Troy.

He was with the rest of the basketball team, his red basketball uniform draped closely to his chest, nothing covering his arms, firm, all wiry muscles, and tan. His eyes lingered for a moment too long, thinking how those same arms held him tightly the day before. How his hands had touched him.

Feeling warm, Ryan averted his gaze. Looking down at his tray and half-listening to Kelsi and Gabriella chatter behind him. He felt the heat of those eyes on him, going down the length of his body. Ryan felt his face heat.

What's with him? Ryan thought anxiously, why is looking at me so intensely?

Ryan kept his eyes locked on his tray, concentrating on the patterned plastic, dull red. All the while his cheeks felt warm and his skin tingled.

Troy was an unknown factor. And up to now, Ryan had thought Troy was a goody-two shoes golden boy, charming sure but lovable, the girls go starry eyed for East High's basketball team Captain.

So, why's he staring at me?

Something about Troy always remained a mystery. Although it didn't seem like it, he wasn't an easy guy to get close too. Unless you were on the team and even then he kept a distance. It wasn't visible, and it wasn't exactly tangible but it was there, the space that separated him and everyone else.

Maybe it was because he was put on a pedestal, maybe it was the way everyone made him a god among teens. But he was still human. He was just another seventeen-year old teenage boy. And the deep part of him, hidden behind the golden boy exterior everyone knew, was the part of him that made him just like us. A weakness, darkness, sensitivity, whatever it was that made him different. That made him truly Troy.

And when Ryan looked at him, thoughts of yesterday flooded his mind, the darkness beneath his eyelids, the feeling of warm fingers as they ran over the expanse of his skin, over his clothes, so lightly it felt like torture. There was a feeling that Ryan felt surface, a bubbling tingle that made his body a bundle of nerves. It felt scary. And it felt so good.

That feeling, unknown, told him to stay away from the brunet. But, that same feeling, it drew him to Troy all the same.

The warmth in his belly, and the whispers in his ear, Ryan felt it deep in his bones, he felt it seep into his skin.

And Ryan found his eyes betray him, stealing another look at those intense blue eyes.

Troy stood, his back to the wall, leaning so the front of his body titled forward, his tan legs crossed at the ankles and his arms folded over his hard chest.

Ryan's breath hitched as he looked into those darkening eyes, they were heavy and clouded, and filled with promises.

And just for a moment, Ryan forgot to breathe.

TBC