Finally, a second chapter!

I'm so sorry it took me so much time but uni got crazy, I got crazy too and totally forgot about HSM. And then, bam, HSM3 and I'm in again.

I hope you'll enjoy it. Feedback is always welcome. Disclaimer as usual. Warning: fluff, slash. Don't like don't read.

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A Boyfriend of Mine: Chapter 2

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After many kilometres made and even more money spent in the shopping mall, the two boys found a nice and cosy café and seated themselves in the far end of it, ordering coffee and just resting. One look at Ryan made Chad decide that the whole shopping was really worth it. He looked happy and calm, focused on his coffee.

Chad sighed contently. He luckily found a great gift for Taylor – a new school bag and a matching umbrella – both black with white question marks. Something perfect and very suitable for Taylor and her nature.

"So, what's the occasion?" Ryan asked again, nodding his head in the direction of the gift for Taylor.

"You know, I just totally felt like buying myself a piece of cake," Chad rushed from the table, taking his bag with him. "But firstly, I gotta do one thing, can you wait here?" he flashed him a suave smile and not waiting for an answer, ran from the café.

So, Ryan sat there alone, feeling stupid and pitiful. He hated feeling sorry for himself but couldn't help it. Chad wouldn't tell him why he bought a gift for Taylor and Ryan felt like he wasn't worth knowing. Worth the trust. Like he wasn't good enough.

And Ryan was in a state when he thought for a second that Chad wouldn't be coming back. One look at the bag and the umbrella for Taylor ad he knew it wasn't true. Chad'd be back, even if only for the gifts.

He then felt a soft tap on the shoulder and turned around. There was Chad, smiling broadly yet hesitantly. He held two small plates with pieces of cake and there was a plastic bag hanging around his wrist. He put the plates on the table and handed the bag to Ryan.

"It's for you," he muttered shyly eyeing Ryan. "Now Sharpay can't kill you for buying it," he said. "Because you didn't buy it, it was a gift," he exclaimed cheerfully.

Ryan suspiciously pulled the gift out of the bag and smiled happily. It was that T-shirt he liked so much before. Chad was definitely the sweetest person ever to buy it for him.

He looked at him to give him a thankful smile but his voice and his breath got caught in his throat.

Because Chad was wearing the infamous T-shirt screaming 'My friend has a gay crush on me' Ryan got him. Ryan wondered why didn't he notice that earlier but realized that Chad had a buttoned-up shirt on the T-shirt. Now the buttons were down and the sign on the T-shirt was visible.

He quickly moved his eyes away from Chad so the black boy wouldn't think he was staring and eyed the T-shirt in his hands instead.

"I like pink," he read, still smiling. How true.

"And I like you," came Chad's soft whisper, "back," he added after a moment. "And, by the way, thank you for this T-shirt, it's totally awesome," he pointed to his chest. Ryan couldn't help but be amused by Chad's deep blush.

Ryan never thought a blushing Chad would be so cute. The admiration didn't stop him from asking the question he wanted to know the answer for the whole day.

"But… why a gift for - for Taylor?" he stammered, sounding more hurt and pathetic than he wanted. Not that he wanted to sound hurt at all, but, surprising as it is, he was. And he couldn't help it. He just needed to know. Especially now.

"We're breaking up," Chad admitted and Ryan's head shot up. He sent Chad a confused glance. "We've actually broken up already," he laughed a bit nervously. "It's also her birthday coming soon. I know it sounds weird – the birthday and the break-up combined – but it isn't actually, not between us. Anyway, the gift is mostly for giving me a chance and being very understanding when I told her I'm gay," he sat down, his voice lower. "She's really good friend, you know. I'd be head over heels with her if I didn't feel… well, this way… for you," he finished lamely, staring at his coffee and pushing his piece of cake around.

Ryan just stared at him, open-mouthed. He couldn't believe what was happening now. Was it really Chad confessing his feelings for him? Was it really… Chad liking him back? Ryan was flabbergasted, confused and indescribably happy. This could turn out to be the best day of his life. Of course, if he opened his mouth first.

"Evans…?" Chad said quietly. "You know I just sorta came out to you and told you I like you too," he said, sad from the lack of reaction from the other boy, "Well, of course… of course if you still… um… if you still like me, that is," his voice dropped with every word. He just fell silent after that, his gaze still focused on his coffee.

"I… I still like you," Ryan finally managed to say and added lowly, "You don't even know how much," he curved his lips into a smile when Chad lifted his head to look at him hopefully. "But if you knew the T-shirt was from me, why didn't you tell me so at the time you got it? Why did you ask me about Troy…?" he wasn't sure if he wanted to hear the answer but he knew the doubt wouldn't let him sleep.

"Because I realized it when I got back home!" Chad exclaimed with frustration. "I know, I'm so dense," he slapped his forehead. "But that's why I'm here today… to let you know that I feel the same way," he smiled the famous Danforth smile and despite sitting Ryan felt his knees go weak. "Actually, I knew you'd be here today, that's why we accidentally bumped into each other."

Ryan looked at him disbelievingly. So, Chad knew he'd be here? He came to the mall on purpose? For him?

"How?"

"I called you and your mom told me where to find you."

They both fell silent but the silence was very comfortable and nice. They ate and drank in silence, stealing small glances at each other from time to time.

"So, you like the T-shirt?" Ryan asked shyly, pointing at Chad's chest with his spoon.

Chad just nodded enthusiastically. "Do you like yours?"

Ryan smiled maniacally and nodded too. He was still so shocked but so happy at the same time.

He didn't realize Chad was leaning over until he felt soft, full lips pressing to his mouth. He gasped unconsciously and melted into the kiss, enjoying it more than any kiss he's ever experienced. None of them deepened it thought, both too shy to do it.

When Chad sat back in his chair, they were both blushing furiously and avoiding each other's eyes.

"Maybe I won't need that 'WASTED YOUTH' tee after all," Chad said, his face flushed.

Ryan smiled and from one of many bags took out the exact T-shirt Chad wanted so badly earlier that day.

"So you want me to give it back?" he asked innocently but couldn't hide amusement from his eyes and waited for Chad's reaction.

To his utter surprise, Chad threw himself on Ryan, crushing his lips on the other boy's, taking away his breath and last bits of conscience. He deepened the kiss almost immediately, stealing a soft moan from Ryan.

While they kissed, Chad moved his hands to Ryan's and snatched the T-shirt from his fingers.

When he sat back, Ryan looked at him lovingly. Danforth was certainly an amazing kisser. He didn't mind at all the T-shirt was a reason he kissed him like that. Any excuse would be good actually.

Chad put the new T-shirt to his chest in a way of trying it on.

"You know you didn't have to. And I mean both of them."

"You neither," Ryan fingered the bright material of the T-shirt that was still in his lap. He admired it silently.

"It suits you. You like pink. So it's true."

"And though you're nowhere near wasting your youth, your friend definitely has a truly gay crush on you. That's also very true."

"Should I get you the same one, then?" Chad laughed, stuffing the new T-shirt in his bag. "Because your friend sure as hell has a gay crush on you, too."

"Would be nice," Ryan admitted and blushed. "But how about, boyfriend?" he suggested shyly, both of them knowing he didn't just mean the T-shirt.

"With pleasure," Chad blushed too and cleared his throat, pretending to look totally stable. "I will make such T-shirt then," he smiled and rubbed Ryan's thigh with his fingers.

"Looking forward to it then."

--- The End.