I have written two stories about the start of Chad and Ryan's relationship, "The Start Of Something New" and "The Best Wingman", so I thought it would be fun to write a fic that's just about them dating, so this is set during the summer of High School Musical 2 but after the end of the film. In the process I got Lowkey invested in what I'm calling Fulton Lore, which is just headcanons that I made up about Fulton that I may or may not have used in the fic.

Also, fun fact, this is my 500th story on , and also rn I'm in isolation because I have covid. So, uh, very fun that those two things happened on the same day.

Chad had not started dating Ryan for the perks, but there were definitely perks to dating Ryan Evans. For one thing, it was pretty much a get-out-of-work-free card. Chad didn't abuse this power very often, but sometimes Ryan would come into the kitchen looking for kisses, which Chad was more than happy to provide.

The first time Fulton had found Chad skipping work, Chad thought that he was about to get his head bitten off.

"Mr. Danforth, back to work this instant!"

"Sorry sir," Chad mumbled, about to take off.

Ryan slunk out of the shadows, "Actually, he was helping me, Fulton."

Fulton narrowed his eyes and glanced back and forth between them.

"Mr. Danforth, don't make a habit of this. Mr. Evans… Carry on."

Ryan grabbed Chad's hand, "I'll see that he gets back to work. Oh and Fulton? It's for the best if my father doesn't hear about this."

That was the one thing. Ryan and Chad didn't have to keep their love a secret from their friends, Sharpay and Ryan's mom, or Chad's family, but Lance Evans had expectations for his son that Ryan didn't exactly want to live up to. So Ryan and Chad just had to hide their relationship from Ryan's dad.

Fulton nodded, knowing just as well as Ryan that discretion was key.

Chad didn't mind that Ryan wasn't out to his dad. Not all parents could be as chill as his own parents, who had heard that their son was bi and in a relationship with a guy and had just told him that all the same dating rules still applied and that Ryan was welcome at their house any time. They'd been even more supportive when they'd found out that Ryan's dad wasn't, practically adopting Ryan into their family.

Those were the perks of dating Chad Danforth, his family was going to love you and make sure that you knew you were loved. The perks of dating Ryan Evans were a little flashier, but they both brought a lot to the table.

Ryan had genuinely never been happier in his life, finding someone who actually loved him and wanted to spend time with him. Chad was incredible and Ryan enjoyed every stolen moment they had together.

Like when they snuck into the pool together after hours for a date night, with all of the year-round staff pretending that they didn't see it. Or grabbing breakfast together before Chad started working, with the cook immediately forgetting the romantic meal he'd prepared for them right after he made it. Or joy rides on golf carts and Ryan giving Chad a hands-on lesson on how to perfect his golf swing, which went "unnoticed" by all of the club members.

Chad, in turn, treated Ryan to some nice dates outside of Lava Springs. They went bowling, snuck into the school so that Chad could teach Ryan how to play basketball, got ice cream, and at Ryan's pleading, Chad took Ryan out for karaoke. They had so much fun goofing off and serenading each other that karaoke dates became a regular occurrence for the two of them.

Double dates also became a regular occurrence for them. Mostly with Troy and Gabriella, but once with Sharpay and Zeke. Ryan sheepishly admitted to Chad that he'd had a crush on Zeke at one point before Sharpay had developed a bit of a flirtationship with the baker and Ryan had backed off.

"It worked out in the end," Ryan said, "because I ended up with you. And I can't think of anyone in the universe more spectacular than you."

Chad wanted to swoon. Ryan always had a way of making him feel like he was royalty.

"Well, I can think of one person," Chad had replied with a grin, quickly reflecting the compliment before he melted.

"I love you so much," Ryan said, leaning over and kissing Chad before they headed inside to meet Sharpay and Zeke for the date.

Zeke and Sharpay were on and off at best, but Chad and Ryan were constants in each other's life, as constant as the sun, moon, and stars.

On one of the many nights that summer when Chad stayed late after work to enjoy the evening with Ryan, they laid out a picnic blanket on the roof and decided to stargaze.

"There are so many stars out here," Chad commented.

"None of them shine as bright as you."

"Stop it," Chad said, getting all flustered again.

"It really is peaceful out here," Ryan agreed after a moment, glancing at Chad. "Away from all the noise and the drama… I feel safe. And normal."

"Why would you ever want to be normal? You're extraordinary just the way you are."

"I guess normal isn't the right word," Ryan admitted. "It's just, with my family, it feels like I'm acting all the time. I'm playing the perfect straight son for my dad and the obedient backup singer for my sister. When I'm alone with you, I feel like the real me. This is my normal."

Ryan and Chad rolled over so that they were facing each other, eyes shining brighter than the stars above them.

"I am so, so happy to be part of your normal," Chad said, leaning over and kissing Ryan's shy smile.

"Thank you, Chad. For seeing me, for being here for me. And thank you for calling me extraordinary. You're pretty extraordinary too."

"Then we make a fine pair, don't we?" They rolled back onto their backs to keep stargazing, but this time Chad firmly held Ryan's hand.

Later that night, Ryan walked Chad back to his new (used) car to say a proper good night. And, feeling emboldened by their conversation from earlier, Ryan might have pressed Chad up against the aforementioned new (used) car and kissed him like they'd never kissed before. Chad certainly wasn't complaining, and Ryan walked back to the main building afterward feeling like every single constellation shone for him.

What he didn't count on was being noticed by anyone, at least not by anyone who wouldn't pretend not to see it.

Lance Evans didn't say anything to his son, after all, it was dark and therefore impossible to confirm what he had seen. However, he planned to follow up in the morning. He just needed a second opinion, or two.

"Sharpay, sweetheart, is your brother in a relationship with another man?"

Sharpay snorted, "Ryan? In a relationship? As if."

Lance gritted his teeth and turned his focus on his wife.

"Derby, darling, do you think our son is gay?"

"I doubt it, dear, I think he would have told us," Derby, a former Broadway star, lied smoothly.

"Perhaps " Or perhaps more than one person was keeping a secret from him. Well, Fulton didn't keep secrets from him. Fulton wouldn't dare.

"Fulton!"

Fulton's soul nearly left his body every time Mr. Evans chose to surprise him in this manner.

"Yes sir? How may I be of assistance?"

"I need your honest opinion on something, Fulton. Emphasis on honesty."

"Of course, sir, I have no reason to lie to you," Fulton assured while thinking of several reasons why he would lie to his boss.

"Do you think my son is gay? Because I think I saw him last night, with another guy, but it was late and it was dark so I'm just not sure, and I've asked around but Sharpay and Derby won't give me a straight answer and I haven't even seen Ryan today, so I'm asking you, my right-hand man."

"Sir, I don't think your son is gay. I also have no reason or desire to pay close attention to the love lives of teenagers, so I wouldn't really know either way. I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful, perhaps I could get you some coffee or tea from the kitchen?"

"I'd appreciate that, Fulton. Thank you. You've always done good work for me."

"My pleasure." Fulton headed to the kitchen, letting out a sigh of relief when he was out of earshot. He was even more relieved when he reached the kitchen and saw Ryan, right where he expected him, on a breakfast date with his significant other.

"Mr. Danforth, Mr. Evans, a word," he said, cutting right to the chase.

"Yes sir?" Chad asked, reaching for Ryan's hand.

Fulton dropped the formalities then, "Ryan, last night your father saw you kissing someone he believes to be a man. Everyone here will of course deny that, including me, but I thought you should know."

Ryan looked a little freaked out, causing Chad to squeeze his hand comfortingly.

"Thank you for the warning, Fulton."

"Believe me when I say I know how it feels to remain closeted for your own protection. You don't owe your father any part of your identity you're not comfortable sharing and it's up to you whether or not you ever come out to him at all. This is your life, your love, and you decide."

Ryan felt a little choked up.

"That means a lot to me, Fulton."

"Yes, well, it's the kind of thing I wish someone had told me growing up. Anyways, I suggest you lay low for the next few days and only meet up with each other outside of Lava Springs."

"We can do that," Chad said.

Ryan nodded, a little sad that he had to hide this part of himself from his father, but happy to have friends, family, and a partner who understood and loved him regardless.

"We'll have a karaoke date night soon," Chad promised, kissing the sad look off of Ryan's face before getting back to work.

Fulton grabbed the cup of coffee he'd promised his boss and Ryan slipped out the back, infinitely grateful for the number of people who had his back and would keep his secret.