START OF SOMETHING NEW – Ch 2: Friday's

Disclaimer: This is SLASH. Don't like it? Then why did you even read the first chapter? (haha). Oh, and I don't own anything either.

A/N: Yes I know, this update is LONG overdue. XD. More from me afterwards, and enjoy!

The buzz of twenty-something students filled Troy's ears as he sat blank-faced at a crowded table at the local Friday's restaurant. By a stroke of sheer bad luck, Ryan was sitting right next to Troy, animatedly talking to his twin about something that happened in the lobby after the show, all while coming a little too close into Troy's comfort zone.

Gabriella, of course, was talking Troy's ear off, but Troy had no idea what she was saying. Troy was concentrating far too much on not looking at Ryan and even trying to block out the sound of Ryan's voice.

Troy knew he had to deal with whatever was going on inside of him sometime, but right then, all he wanted to do was get as far away from Ryan Evans as humanly possible. Yet still, Troy felt compelled to glance at Ryan ever so often. They had gotten to be sort-of friends over the course of the musical, and Troy couldn't help but to over hear Ryan's story.

When he realized he was practically hanging on Ryan's every word, he inwardly cursed himself, and immediately excused himself to go to the bathroom. While alone in the men's room, Troy splashed his face with cold water, desperately trying to calm down and rid his mind of any and all thoughts of the Evans boy.

After dessert was done and the cast was starting to leave, Troy quickly slipped out and high-tailed it to the parking lot. Once returning from his bathroom visit, Troy had gotten away with not speaking a word to Ryan, and for the most part, hadn't glanced at him that much either. He pulled his keys out and unlocked his car, and was about to open the car door when he heard his name being called out.

"Troy, wait up."

At the sound of that voice, Troy's head whipped around. The person he had managed to avoid for most of the evening was quickly approaching his car.

"What do you want Ryan?" A hint of frustration and annoyance played on Troy's voice.

Ryan winced a little at the harsh tone, but continued with his question. "I, uh, just wanted to ask you why you ignored me all night… Did I do something wrong?"

Yes, you got me so confused, Troy thought to himself, but kept that comment in his head. He quickly came up with an excuse. "I didn't realize I was. I guess I just don't feel that well or something. I should go now…" Troy fumbled for his door to get the hell away from that awkward situation.

Ryan was not convinced of that response. He needed an honest answer from Troy. Before Troy could get into his car, Ryan reached over and grabbed Troy's shoulders, blocking him from entering the vehicle. He could feel Troy's shoulders tense up under his grip.

Troy's heartbeat was going a million miles a minute. Not only was the boy who had caused him so much confusion in the past few hours trying to talk to him, but he was also gripping his shoulders, surprisingly tight. Troy shrugged Ryan's grip off his shoulders as he turned around.

"What now, Ryan?"

Ryan bit his lip, then quietly and nervously asked, "Is this about what happened during Curtain Call?"

Troy's breath caught in his throat and his eyes grew wide. Ryan had felt it too! Not knowing what to say in response, Troy stood there, shocked, and racked his brain for an answer. The first thought that came into his head was simple. Denial. Troy shook his head the tiniest bit to clear his mind, and finally responded to Ryan's question.

"What are you talking about? The Curtain Call? I have no idea what happened… probably something you made up, because you're like in love with me or something," Troy spat out, inwardly winding at what just came out of his mouth and his harsh tone.

A flicker of hurt and confusion flashed across Ryan's face, but vanished in a few seconds.

"Never mind. I… I guess I should go," Ryan said quietly, as he backed away from Troy, his eyes focused on the ground. He turned and jogged back into the restaurant, leaving Troy standing in his open car door alone.

Troy stood there dumbstruck for a second. Had he really just said that to Ryan?

Shakily, Troy entered his car and turned on the ignition. He quickly glanced back toward the restaurant, just in time to see Sharpay and Ryan exiting, Ryan looking completely crushed.

"Shit," Troy breathed out, banging his steering wheel with his hands, "What have I done?"

Taking a deep breath, Troy slowly backed his car out of his parking space and onto the highway, heading for home. His mind was still moving a hundred miles a minutes, ninety-nine percent of the thoughts on Ryan and what just happened, but suddenly Troy knew exactly what he had to do. He was still confused as ever, but he had to apologize to Ryan.

And boy, it would not be easy.

A/N: Ehh, it's kinda short and not my best work, but hey... it's updated! haha

First off, I want to say and HUGE thank you to all my reviewers. 34 reviews for ONE chapter? -loves- That's amazing, and I love you all, and your reviews meant so much to me.Secondly, I'm extremely sorry for the long wait for this. I had half of it written for the longest time, but I could never end it the way I wanted to. But I finally got over the block :-)

Enough babble from me... Now it's your turn to babble... REVIEW :-) (Cookies to anyone who does! haha)

-Laura