"So, seeing how I've beaten you, I now have fourteen votes," Ryan said; boastful and proud as Chad lead him deeper into the kitchen. Chad rolled his eyes, then turned around and looked at Ryan. Ryan nodded and then Chad smiled and shook his head back and forth.

"That doesn't mean you're gonna win," Chad said, confidently. Ryan followed Chad to the refrigerator. Chad opened the door and looked inside, sighing once he realized there wasn't anything in there for him.

"What makes you say that?" Ryan asked. He followed Chad to the oven. Chad opened the door and peeked inside, revealing red-and-white striped boxes. He smiled and reached in, taking a box that read on the top 'hamburger and fries'. He stood back up, smiling at his prize, then looked back at Ryan.

"Because. We've still got Gabriella and Taylor and I know they'll pick me," Chad said.

"Oh yeah?" Ryan asked; raising a brow, skeptically.

"Yeah."

"We'll see about that..." Ryan said, quietly.

Chad looked at Ryan and watched him reach into the oven to grab a box which read 'hot dog and fries' on it. Before the pale boy could grab it, Chad smacked the top of his hand. Ryan's brows creased and he jerked his hand back.

"Yeah, you will see," Chad said, testily. Ryan bit his inner cheek as he looked at Chad. He stared into the boy's brown eyes as he reached back into the oven, unseeingly. Chad had a teasing smile on his face as he again reached out to slap Ryan's hand. Not the least bit phased, Ryan took his hand back and continued staring into Chad's eyes. He raised a brow and went to reach for it and it was again smacked by Chad's rough hand; but Ryan had a plan and quickly grabbed for it with his other hand as Chad was in the process of smacking the first.

"Hah!" Ryan exclaimed as he quickly and protectively pulled the box towards his midsection.

"Hey!" Chad cried, gripping Ryan's free wrist and pulling him closer; trying to snatch Ryan's box of food.

"That's the oldest trick in the book!" Ryan chuckled excitedly as he bent over his food and pushed Chad away with his free arm. He quickly escaped Chad by running a few feet away.

Chad was insulted; it was the oldest trick in the book. Of all people, he should have been able to guess what Ryan was planning; especially since it was a basketball move he performed almost daily. He was aggravated and it roused him to show Ryan who was boss. He strode over to Ryan and put him in another headlock; this time pulling him close against his body. Ryan groaned in his throat and raised a hand, trying to pull Chad's arm away from his throat. While Ryan was busy trying to keep himself from choking, Chad used his other hand and took the box of food out of Ryan's. Chad immediately released him and shook the box of food just in front of Ryan's face before hiding it behind his back.

"Not so great now, are you?" Chad said. Ryan pressed his lips together, feigning submission before he quickly and suddenly ran towards Chad. Chad stepped back until Ryan slammed into him and wrapped his arms around Chad's body, reaching for the box behind his back. Chad's breathing picked up at the feeling of Ryan's body pressed against his own so tightly. Chad's face went blank and he stopped fighting.

"Alright, you win!" Chad exclaimed, taking the box from behind his back and shoving it towards Ryan.

Chad had given up so easily and so suddenly that Ryan was suspicious. He looked Chad in the eyes, curiously, but Chad wouldn't look at him directly. Ryan realized that Chad was embarrassed and, considering their position, it was obvious to Ryan as to why. Ryan swallowed and backed up. Chad pushed the box closer to Ryan and Ryan took it into his hands.

Chad walked over to the refrigerator, glancing at Ryan briefly before reaching in. He pulled out a soda and set it on the counter, then reached beside the fridge and grabbed a cup, cover, and straw. Ryan walked over to Chad and got himself the same items. He rested them on the counter beside Chad's. Chad reached for the fridge door and opened it.

"What do you want?" Chad asked. Ryan looked into the refrigerator, scanning the drinks. He eventually reached in and pulled out a bottle of sprite. Chad nodded and shut the fridge, then turned around and opened the bottle of coke. He and Ryan poured their drinks into their cups, then both grabbed for the refrigerator handle; their hands touching. Both quickly pulled back in shock of the electric touch, then looked at each other. Ryan kept his eyes on Chad's but the dark boy shyly looked away. Ryan then cleared his throat; uncomfortable, then looked down at his feet. Chad opened the fridge and put the soda back inside. Soon after, Ryan did the same thing.

"All set?" Ryan asked, clasping his hands together, hoping to ease the tension. He wished Chad wouldn't be so uptight about the whole thing.

"Yeah. Let's go," Chad said, taking his food and drink off the counter and heading over to the doors. Ryan quickly put the cover on his cup and stuck the straw through the hole, then followed Chad out of the building.

Once outside, Ryan caught up with Chad. 'He wants me,' the pale boy thought; turning his head to the side and looking Chad up and down. He was eager to get the attractive boy into bed with him. As he planned ways of getting Chad to agree, he remembered Taylor. His smile immediately disappeared. He sipped from his sprite. How could he possibly get what he wanted without hurting her in the process? And worst of all, what if Taylor told Gabriella and the girl decided to disown him, just like Sharpay had? Ryan had to decide; did losing his Sharpay-proxy matter more to him than bedding Chad?

After a long while, he realized he couldn't yet decide.

---

They found a seat and Chad almost immediately began eating. Ryan looked at him, wide-eyed. Chad turned his head, looking Ryan in the eyes. Ryan's parted lips quickly turned upwards in a smile and he began chuckling soon after. Chad snorted, then looked away from Ryan and took another wide bite. Ryan lifted his own hot dog, eying it hungrily before sliding an inch of it into his mouth.

Just then, Zeke came running over. He raised a leg onto the bench between them and rested a hand on each of their shoulder's.

"How is it?" he asked; excited and curious. Chad gave a thumbs up and reached down to take another bite of his burger.

"As good as it always is, dude!" he said, raising his hamburger up into the air. Zeke laughed and looked down modestly, then turned his head to Ryan.

"What do you think, Ryan?" he asked, smiling brightly. Ryan turned his head, looking up at Zeke.

"It's great!" he exclaimed, looking up at Zeke with a bright and sincere expression. Zeke clapped his hands then rubbed them together. "Heh hah!" he chuckled, gladly. Suddenly, he popped up.

"Oh! Here, I've got somethin' for ya..." Zeke said, turning to Chad. Chad brow's creased then they widened and a grin made its way onto his face once he'd seen what had been in Zeke's back pocket.

"The ball from the game. It's rightfully yours," Zeke said, handing Chad the ball and raising a hand. Chad took the ball and raised his hand to let Zeke slap it.

"Oh yeah!" Chad cried, excitedly. Zeke watched Chad and Ryan then ran back to Jason, Kelsi, and Martha to continue with their conversations.

Chad glanced at Ryan, then threw his arm over the boy's shoulders as he smiled; spinning the ball with his fingers. He threw the ball up into the air and Ryan caught it. Chad then remembered how incredibly well Ryan had played. Chad played for years and years and still, Ryan had almost beaten him. He realized that Ryan must have played a lot more than Chad had thought. He grabbed the ketchup, ready to squirt more onto his burger.

"Alright, so you call that a little game?" he asked, looking at Ryan. Ryan smiled as he slowly spun the ball in his fingers.

"Little League..." Ryan said. Even though Chad had suspected he played more often, he was surprised and also felt a wave of respect for Ryan. "World Series..." Ryan then added, clearing his throat before looking at Chad; who was listening, almost speechless. "New Port, Rhode Island. Champions," Ryan added, looking up as he remembered those good times when he was a hero. Chad hit Ryan over the back of the head. 'A little game my eye!' he thought; both proud and amused at Ryan for being such a sneak. Just then, Gabriella and Taylor ran up to the boys, amused. Zeke had directed them in the direction of the two.

"Good job!" Gabriella exclaimed to Ryan, resting her hands on his shoulders as she inspected his outfit. Ryan looked up at the girl and smiled widely.

Taylor laughed at Chad. "Nice hat..." she said, sarcastically, as she fidgeted with the white hat that had been placed on Chad's head. Chad shooed her away, then took a bite of his burger. Ryan took a sip of his drink.

"Zeke said you needed to ask us something?" Gabriella asked, looking at Chad and Ryan curiously as she folded her hands in front of her. Chad looked at Ryan curiously then nodded, realizing. He stood up from the bench, tugging upwards on Ryan's shirt to get him standing, as well. Ryan stood beside Chad once he was standing up straight, then Taylor came from behind the two and stood beside Gabriella.

"We're having a bet," Chad said, glancing at Ryan. "Whoever looks better, wins. What do you guys think?" Chad asked. Gabriella and Taylor looked at each other, then looked at the boys and smiled. Taylor tapped her chin and looked both up and down. Chad swallowed, nervously, as Ryan stood there, modestly.

"You know, Chad..." Taylor began, squinting at her boyfriend. "I think this is the best you've looked in a long time," she said. Chad's mouth opened.

"What's that supposed to mean?!" he yelled, irritated and insulted.

"It means that you look better all dressed up!" she said, smiling. Chad crossed his arms over his chest, then looked at Ryan, as if Ryan understood his pain. Ryan pressed his lips together and patted Chad's back, unsure.

"Well..." Chad started. "At least I get the vote." Taylor pursed her lips.

"What do you mean you get the vote? This is Ryan's outfit," Taylor said, matter-of-factually.

"So what? You said I look better and that's what our votes are based on, so I get the vote," Chad replied.

"Well, I gave the vote, so I'm allowed to give it to whom I please!" Taylor said, hands on her hips. Chad sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"You don't have any idea!" Chad exclaimed. Ryan pursed his lips, brows raised. He looked up at Gabriella and she gave him a sympathetic look. She smiled.

"Don't worry, they do this all the time," she whispered, showing off her bright teeth. Ryan smiled and bowed his head. "It's a good reality show, huh?" Ryan asked, jokingly. Gabriella laughed. "Yeah!"

"I don't have any idea? At least I get straight-A, you... B student!" Taylor said. Chad groaned in his throat.

"Know what? Fine. The vote's Ryan's," Chad gave in, unwilling to get into another fight. He found it was easier to just do what she said. Taylor bowed her head appreciatively.

"Thank you," she said, before looking at Ryan. "It's all yours," she said, smiling. Chad rolled his eyes.

"So... what do you think, Gabriella?" Ryan asked, putting a hand in his pocket as he looked at the black-haired girl. Gabriella looked at both curiously and then pointed to Ryan. Ryan smiled and excitedly turned his head towards Chad. "Thanks!" Ryan said, happily.

"Hey, what about the bond between the best friend's girlfriend and the boyfriend's best friend?" Chad asked, somewhat joking. Gabriella laughed.

"You won the game. It's only fair that Ryan gets to win this time," she said. Chad pressed his lips together; Gabriella had looked at it in such an innocent point of view; he couldn't help but soften up. He sighed then extended his hand towards Ryan.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but looks like you won... so, congratulations," Chad said. Ryan looked down at Chad's hand, then shook it.

"You too... for winning the game, I mean," Ryan said as he continued shaking Chad's hand. He gave it one last squeeze before releasing it and clasping his hands together behind his back. Chad took the baseball out of his pants pocket. He spun it around, looking at it, then he looked at Ryan. Ryan smiled and nodded.

"Know what, man? You surprised me today. Here," Chad said, handing the ball to Ryan. Ryan's brows creased and his lips parted in surprise. He reached out to grab the ball. Gabriella smiled big then took Taylor by the arm and pulled her in the other direction. Both smiled at the new friendship that had formed.

"Wow..." Ryan said, almost speechless. Sharpay wouldn't have dared giving him a gift he didn't earn... especially if it was rightfully hers. "Are you sure...?" Ryan asked, uncertainly.

"It's all yours," Chad said, smiling; resting his hand on Ryan's shoulder and shaking him. Ryan smiled then looked down at the ball in his hands. He spun it then looked up at Chad, nodding.

"Thanks," he said, happily. Chad nodded and tightened his grip on Ryan's shoulder.