A new chapter! Oh, how much I hate being back to school and work! Leaves me so little time to write…

Anyway, thanks to: AllForLoveAndHappiness, Dramione x3, Nutmeg Lee, VirgIsMyBird, digigirl02, Car2nfreak, rkfollower, Marilia11, KiNoMoTo18 and to everyone who added this to their favorite/alert story list.

HSM belongs to Disney. Chapter title comes from a song by Elton John.

Chapter 25

Something about the way you look tonight…

She remembered a time when most days she couldn't find a good reason to get out of bed at all. Sure, she had school and exams and that sort of stuff but she never got a REAL reason to get up. Nothing would change if she didn't. Everything could go on without her. Or at least, that's what she thought.

But now, she couldn't find a good reason to go to bed at all. She wanted to stay up and talk in the phone or go for a coffee or watch a corny movie on the TV or just… be with him. She was being too mushy, probably; however, as most things whenever he was near, it didn't matter.

Now she knew that something would change if she didn't go to school. He would worry about her. He couldn't go on without her (or so he said) and mostly, she was indispensable for his happiness (again, so he said)

Still, there was something she couldn't handle: being around his friends. Or, more appropriately, Sharpay's friends. She just felt so… out of her element!

She looked at Ryan as he chatted with some friends of junior high. Or something like that. She wasn't really paying attention when he introduced them to her. Most of this 'friends' were females which lead her to think that they were mostly 'ex-girlfriends'. She would make sure to ask Sharpay about that later.

It was the twins' birthday party, so said girl was busy being on the spot-light, having a rather big group of friends talking to her and complimenting her. Mr. and Mrs. Evans were talking to other adults, who by the looks of their clothes and the way they held themselves, were filthy rich and powerful. Mr. and Mrs. Nielson were also with them and Kelsi wasn't surprised to find out that, while her father was being shyer than ever, her mother was chatting animatedly with them, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Kelsi, however, did feel a little out of place. Some of the teenagers talking with Ryan were in East High too, but most of them were there clearly because of their parent's friendship with the Evans. She had never been too good in meting new people. And of course, the fact that most girls were glaring murderously at her, wasn't helping.

"Are you ok?" he asked, after a while, dragging her to somewhere else, sensing her discomfort.

"Yes, it's just that… I'm not used to being around so many people"

He smiled and kissed her temple. "Let's get out of here, then"

"What?!"

But he was already dragging her inside the house, smiling mischievously and the girl found herself following. Sure, it wasn't very courteous leaving like that (especially since it was also Ryan's birthday party) but, how could she complain?

"Where are we?"

They were still inside the house yet Kelsi couldn't help to be surprised of the bigness of it. She hadn't been there too many times but every time she visited, it seemed that Ryan dragged her to some unknown place.

"Dancing room" he informed her and she looked around. The place was almost empty, apart from the giant and advanced stereo. The floor was made of wood and three of the walls were covered by enormous mirrors. The last wall wasn't a wall at all, but a huge window from where she could see the colossal garden.

"Oh. Your house is too big, you know?" she said, walking towards the window, feeling fascinated with the view.

He shrugged and just watched her. He loved the way her hair fell over her back, and they way that dress looked on her. He liked how time seemed to stop whenever he was staring at her and that sense of… unreality that surrounded them. But most of it all, he loved just how easily she got him weak on his knees whenever she whispered his name. Somehow, whispers sent shivers down his spine and he felt like melting.

He walked towards her and placed his arms lightly around her waist. She smiled a little, leaning back and staring up at him. "Shall we dance?" he asked, speaking softly at her ear and she giggled sheepishly.

Well, that made sense, she thought, since they were in the 'dancing room'. But there was no music playing, so it didn't make too much sense. Nonetheless, she nodded, placing her arms around his neck, smiling and feeling like in heaven.

He stared at her, smiling too. He really loved how that dress looked on her. She was also wearing a black, matching hat. So, it seemed, she had really adopted that little habit of him. Not that he didn't like it, but after so many years of wearing hats, he had discovered the biggest disadvantage of them (or advantage, depending on your point of view)

People said that hats help you to stay invisible. Ryan didn't think so but there was something that he was sure that hats help you to: they help to hide the truth. Eyes are the soul's windows and with a hat, you can hide them quite easily. Therefore, if people can look you in the eye, they can not know whether you're lying or not.

And that exactly the reason it had to go. Slowly, he picked it up, before tossing it aside, much to Kelsi's surprise. Seconds later, he did the same with his. There. No more barriers between them. No more lying. Just the truth.

She seemed confused and tilted her head a little, pouting adorably. Ryan chuckled, unable to contain himself, placing a brief kiss on the tip of her nose. She pouted even more, before bursting into giggles.

They started dancing, very slowly, following an unwritten melody. Somehow, they just KNEW the tempo of the song and they moved in perfect synchrony- Talking about being too corny…- She sighed; well, there was nothing she could do about it.

"Oops! Sorry!!" she apologized when she stepped on his feet. He just smiled and mumbled a 'don't worry'. She closed her eyes and let her head rest against his chest, enjoying the warmness of his body.

"My mother taught me to dance when I was 6" he told her, making her spin. She smiled a little, although that sudden movement had taken her by surprise and she almost stepped on his feet again.

"Really? Well, she was a great teacher"

"Indeed" he smiled "It was really difficult dancing with her, since I barely reached her waist" the brunette laughed, as she imagined 6 years old Ryan trying to dance with her mother "and she started calling me 'ducky' the same year. I guess it had something to do with dancing but I really don't remember…"

Kelsi burst into hysterics at that confession. Why? Well, it just seemed so funny, even though she had no idea why…

"Sharpay started taking ballet lessons that year, too. Actually, mom just taught me to dance because I was so jealous of her! Dad had dragged me into this baseball lessons and I hated every second of it…"

"I didn't know you played baseball"

"Well, not anymore. I grew to like it, but dancing is my passion. Besides, Sharpay would kill me if I ever left the drama club…"

"Oh, I think she could handle having all the spot light for herself…" they chuckled and he started playing with her hair.

"Maybe. But I guess we're kinda used to be together all the time. Even though dad thinks I should do more… umm… boyish things."

"Like sports or something?"

"Exactly his thoughts" he smirked and she giggled a little, getting closer to him.

"Mom tried to teach me to play American football. She's a big fan of that, you know? Dad didn't appreciated that"

"Humph… I didn't think your mother was a sport's fan. Why did she marry your father? He's certainly not into sports, is he?"

"No. And I guess that's what mom loves about him. How he doesn't have a clue of what a 'nickle and dime' is and yet he listens to her rambling…"

"What's a 'nickle and dime'?"

"I have no clue" she giggled and he laughed a little harder "however; she was very disappointed that I preferred my father's 'hobbies'"

"Playing the piano?"

"Yep. He started to teach me when I was 4 almost 5. She hated every second of it" she made a brief pause, as if considering something and Ryan almost asked her 'why' but she continued "it reminded her of grandma, I guess"

"Your grandmother? I don't understand…"

"Well, she was a rather famous pianist and… well, let's just say that mom and she didn't get along very well…"

Ryan considered asking something more, but decided against it because Kelsi looked suddenly very distressed. So he just smiled and kissed her nose, trying to cheer her up. She giggled.

They had stopped dancing without really noticing. Nevertheless, they were still standing too close, her hands resting over his shoulders, his over the curve of her hip.

The closeness was marvelous. Oh, but it was also so very tempting! All he had to do was lean a little and press his lips against hers… the sweetness of the idea! And he really wanted to do it, by the gods, he wanted it so badly! And he was quite sure she wanted him to. Yet…

Kissing her would be breaking an unspoken promise. It would make the last two months totally pointless. Both wanted it, but at the same time, she wanted them to 'be just friends' a little longer. Though it was difficult, he was complying; those last month had been the hardest of his life (after all, he was used to get what he wanted exactly when he wanted it) Nonetheless, he knew she was worth the wait.

Kissing her would be breaking that subtle and fragile balance they had achieved in their 'relationship'- they weren't lovers yet they were in love and that seemed to make so much sense…- The slightest disturbance and they would be doomed. He could felt her fingers running through his hair and softly caressing the back of his neck… Oh, she needed to stop that or he wouldn't be able to control himself any longer…

Oh, screw it! He told himself, angrily and he gripped gently her chin, tilting her head upwards. He closed the distance between them and when their lips were almost touching, he noticed she had her eyes closed and was humming softly.

"Because this moment is all we really have…" she sang quietly, and he guessed she had completely forgotten his presence, getting lost in that little world she went whenever she was composing.

Well, that was a close one, he decided. He didn't want to ruin it. Maybe he could wait a little longer. But just a little longer. A month, at most. Good news were summer break was around the corner and he thought that it would be the perfect time to ask. Once they were back to 'Lava Springs' he was quite sure she wouldn't reject him…

For now, they could keep up the 'friends' façade. He just hoped that she didn't turn him down when he tried to make things 'official' because this time, he wouldn't be able to resist. It was all her fault, for being so charming!

"Here you are!" the door opened and a grinning Zeke appeared there "Sharpay's looking for you!"

"Perfect timing, Baylor" Ryan complained, still holding Kelsi close and the other boy just smiled sheepishly.

Kelsi giggled, back from her little world and took Ryan's hand, dragging him out of the room. She took Zeke's hand too and dragged them both back to the party.

Ryan was being sarcastic when he commented over Zeke's timing but she was quite sure it had been perfect. Of course she had noticed what had ALMOST happened. Yes, she loved Ryan's lips over hers but right now, all she needed was 'time'. Time is important in relationships. Knowing each other a little more before taking another step. Yep. That was what she needed, indeed.

However, when he asked, she knew she was going to say 'yes', because, simply, she didn't have enough self control to keep resisting!

"Where the heck were you?!"

Sharpay was angry but Ryan didn't care. He really hated big fancy parties. He would have like better to spend the whole day with Kelsi than throwing this crazy party for their 'friends'. Besides, those weren't his friends, they were his sister's and…

"You know… for just 'being friends' you two spend to much time alone… if I didn't know better, I would swear you were just making out in a random place inside the house…" she taunted, smirking the whole time, enjoying her twin's reaction.

"Sharpay!" he was blushing and he pushed her playfully. Kelsi stared at them, arching an eyebrow questioningly. The blond girl laughed, almost losing her balance from Ryan's push and was 'saved', just in time, by a very grinning Zeke.

"I have to agree with your sister, Ryan" the boy whispered and the blond boy gaped "although you look extremely cute together"

Kelsi rolled her eyes, suspecting what was that conversation about. Not that she could blame them; they were really acting very suspicious…

"Shut up" Ryan ordered, pouting a little, which just made his sister and her not-quite-boyfriend laugh.

Well, maybe they weren't 'officially' together, but everything seemed to point into that direction. And, most important, Sharpay seemed to be ok with that.

In the end, that was all that Ryan really needed…

Okay… this is weird. Did you notice that I just skipped two whole months? Umm… I'm so not sure about this one… Too fluffy, if you want my opinion…

And I think it's… weird. I don't know how, but it is… So, maybe you can point it out? I swear I'll try to correct those mistakes…

Anyway, this is what happens when I'm stressed and depressed. School, work and money problems DO NOT mix. Bad combination. Very bad indeed.

So, please tell me your opinion. Hate it? Tell me, I'll rewrite it. Maybe I'll rewrite anyway (unless enough readers like it as it is…) And… just another thing. The song. Recognized it? It's not that difficult, really… LOL

Okay, now I'm rambling! See you soon! Next chapter may be up until next week, as a Valentine's gift! Or not. It depends of my inspiration and on if I'm rewriting this or not.