Disclaimer: If you haven't figured it out by now, I don't own High School Musical.
Chapter Four: Revelation
In the last few months, Chad Danforth's love-life had crashed and burned. His disastrous blind-dates and one night stands had been full of awkward silences, but this was not one of them. He and Troy sat on the bench, Troy gazing away at nothing, apparently deep in thought. Chad however, was wringing his hands and restlessly swinging his legs. Part of him wanted to get out of there A.S.A.P. before he could totally embarrass himself. The other part, the part closest to the surface, wanted to hang around anyway.
"So uh, what are you doin' tonight?" Chad asked tentatively.
Troy half-shrugged as he replied, "Eh, nothin. I figure Friday nights are for couples, and I'm definitely single so…" Troy trailed off, looking distant.
Internally, Chad cringed. So they were back to Gabriella.
Chad's bitterness evaporated when Troy asked softly, "How do I know if there's someone out there for me?" His voice was tender, quiet, vulnerable. It was unbelievable that even after so many years spent with Troy, there were still so many layers he hadn't seen.
Chad met Troy's eyes and replied genuinely, "I'm sure there's someone out there for you.
"Like who?" Troy asked, eyes suddenly intense and questioning. There was something else shining in the blue depths, but Chad had no idea what it could be. For a moment, the words 'like me' hung dangerously on the tip of Chad's tongue, but he instead he looked away and shrugged. "You'll find someone."
"What if I already have?" Troy asked with all the same piercing intensity. Chad felt distinctly miffed. So Troy had already found a girl to replace Gabriella? Dutifully playing the part of best-friend, Chad replied, "Well then what are you waiting for? Go tell her how you feel." He even managed a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes.
"Him." Troy corrected.
It might've been a mark of the strength of their relationship that Chad merely arched an eyebrow, but it was more likely the level of shock Chad was in. As the information started to sink in, Chad allowed himself a tiny glimmer of hope for the first time in a long while.
Meanwhile, Troy continued, "I tried to show him how I felt, but I guess he just didn't get it." That secretive twinkle was back in his eyes.
"Then try harder," Chad said simply. He had no idea who this new mystery guy was, but if he hurt Troy like Gabriella did…things would get ugly. When he turned to face Troy, he only half-stifled his surprised gasp. The sharp, penetrating gaze had given way to something much warmer and that devilish twinkle was in full display as he said, "Good idea."
The next moment, he leaned in and softly but firmly pressed his lips against his best-friend's. Chad's lips parted in a silent 'O' of realization. Suddenly it all made sense!
Troy pulled back and asked playfully, "So do you think he gets it now?" He said this confidently and nonchalant, but Chad could sense his nervous uncertainty. How the tables had turned!
"Oh, he gets it!" Chad said, smiling emphatically.
The grin that lit Troy's face was like the sun coming out on a rainy day. This time it was Chad who leaned forward first; their second kiss had none of the questioning tenderness of the first, it was slow and firm and….wet. Each boy reassuring the other, sharing their feelings through the kiss rather than use those pesky little words.
When oxygen became a pressing need, Chad pulled back. He took a deep breath, and asked Troy, "Is this really happening?" He hoped Troy fully understood the question.
Troy devilishly reached around and pinched Chad's ass. "I guess so."
