Take Me There
Chapter 5
A/N: Sorry if you guys don't like how I will be jumping this story around. The first chapter went from day one to a week later in chapter 2. Same with chapter 2 moving a week ahead in chapter 3. This chapter will be jumping ahead also. This time a month ahead. Don't freak out on me. I am nowhere done with this fic! I promise! I just want to move a little into their summer. Things will still be explained. I'll try not to disappoint. On with the story...
Previously...
Ryan smiled to himself. The first real smile in almost a week now. It was good to have someone around who understood him. Even if he didn't really know what he was going through. Chad was a good friend. Something he hadn't had in a long time.
Looking at the bedside clock, Ryan saw he only had 27 minutes left to get ready. Running to the bathroom, he turned the shower on and jumped in.
"Maybe things will turn out better than I thought. As long as Chad is with me, I'll be ok."
HSMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSM
Ryan was, by far, having the best summer of his life and it was all thanks to one special boy. Chad Danforth. No matter how down Ryan seemed to get, Chad was always there, ready to pick him right up off the floor.
It was now a month and a half into their summer vacation. Since Ryan's run in with Sharpay, nearly three weeks ago, Ryan had made a promise to himself. He would no longer let his sister, eh Sharpay, walk all over him. Chad was right when he had said she wasn't worth it. If she couldn't see how great he was, then Ryan didn't really want her in his life. She only brought him down.
Today however, was going to be different. All Ryan knew was he was supposed to meet Chad in the lobby at 10:00am. He was told to dress casual. That was all Chad would say. Ryan was actually excited. He couldn't wait to see what Chad had in store for them today.
For the past month, every day with Chad was like a new adventure. No matter what Ryan was going through, Chad was always there. Just like he had promised. It made things a lot easier for Ryan. It also made things a lot harder. The thing was, Ryan had feelings for Chad. Strong feelings and it was killing him inside knowing he would never be able to have Chad like that. Chad was, after all, straight. At least, Ryan thought he was. Sometimes, he almost thought Chad might be gay but seeing as he never mentioned it or brought it up, Ryan never pushed it. He had a friend, a real friend and he wasn't about to risk that in the least.
There was on thing that stood out in his mind though. Something Chad had done about a week ago that almost made Ryan think he might actually have a chance with him. As small as it was, he still held out hope that maybe, somehow, Chad might have feelings for him as well.
Flashback
Ryan and Chad had been hanging out by the pool all morning. It was extremely hot out today so they had decided on being lazy and staying as close to the pool as humanly possible. Chad had been in the water on and off all day, while Ryan had been sitting in a pool chair, getting some much needed sun.
Not paying much attention to anything or anyone around him, Ryan never noticed when someone had walked up and sat down beside him. Finally realizing someone was there and thinking it was Chad, Ryan spoke.
"So nice of you to finally join me, Chad. I've been bored forever!"
Not hearing him answer, Ryan pulled his designer sunglasses down and looked to his left. It wasn't Chad. He didn't really have a clue who it was.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were someone else."
"No, problem. My name's Zac. Nice to meet you."
"You as well." Ryan took in this new person sitting beside him. Dark hair, baby blue eyes, and a very nice tan. If Ryan liked those things in a guy, he would have been all over him. He, however, only had eyes for one boy and that one boy was still in the pool, acting like a small child.
"I'm Ryan. You new here?"
"Kinda. This is my first year here but I've been here for about three weeks now."
"Oh, that's nice." Ryan wasn't really concerned with this Zac person. He was still watching Chad goofing off in the water.
"That your boyfriend?"
Ryan jerked his head around.
"Excuse me?"
"That guy you keep watching. He yours?"
Ryan was taken aback.
"Um, no. He's just a friend."
Zac smiled and scooted closer to Ryan. A little too close for Ryan's liking.
"So, that means you're a free man?"
"Uh, yeah." Ryan was puzzled as to why he would care.
"Wanna hook up?"
Shocked, it took Ryan a second or two to answer.
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me. I said, do you wanna hook up? I hear you're the guy to go to if someone were to need a real good blow. I'm not gay or nothing, but I'll take it where I can get it. Plus, you kinda seem like a girl."
Ryan was shocked. Not only that, but he was hurt.
"Where did you hear that? Who said that about me?" Ryan's eyes were starting to water.
"Everyone. It's like common knowledge around here. So, what do ya say?"
"No! How dare you even ask me something like that. I would like it very much if you would leave me alone now."
Ryan started to turn back around but a hand on his arm stopped him.
"No, you see, I don't think you understood me. I wasn't exactly asking. I was telling. Now, get your faggot ass up and let's go. I don't have all day."
Zac was jerking Ryan up by his arm. He was starting to really hurt him.
"Let go of me!" Ryan started screaming. This caught Chad's attention. Seeing that someone had their hands on his Ryan made his blood boil. Jumping out of the pool, he ran to where Ryan was, catching the end of what that asshole was saying.
"...don't have time for your bullshit! I said now!"
"Hey! Get your hands off of him!" Chad yelled as he reached Ryan.
"You have nothing in this, now leave." Zac said.
"I said take your hands off of Ryan now! I will not ask again!"
"Oh so what? You like this fags bodyguard or something?"
Zac never had time to react because as soon as the words were out of his mouth, Chad's fist connected with his jaw.
"When I tell you to take your hands off of Ryan, I mean now, not 3o seconds from now, but NOW!"
Zac was shaking with fear.
"Dude, he's just some gay ass faggot who gives it to whoever asks!"
"You listen to me and you listen good. If I ever see you around Ryan again, I swear to God, I will kill you with my own two hands! And make sure everyone else around here knows it! Ryan is off limits! Am I understood?!"
Zac only nodded. Pulling himself up, he took off running. Chad turned back around to face Ryan.
"Oh God, Ry! Are you ok? I'm so sorry I wasn't here for you! Never again! I promise you he will never touch you again! Not as long as I'm here." With that, Chad pulled a crying Ryan into his arms. Without warning, Chad placed a small kiss on Ryan's forehead.
Together they walked back to Ryan's room. All the while, Ryan's mind going back to the kiss. Even if it was on his forehead, Chad had still kissed him.
"But what does this mean?" Ryan was more confused now then ever.
End Flashback
Snapping back to reality, Ryan looked at his watch. It was now 9:53am. He had less than 7 minutes to finish getting ready and meet Chad in the lobby. He did one final check in his full-length mirror and decided he looked as good as ever.
He had on a pair on black shorts that went a little past his knees. Black and red flip-flops. His shirt was a silk texture and matched his short only with a dash of red in it. His hat was completely red and Ryan loved it. It was by far his favorite hat. He hoped Chad liked it. He had even decided to try something a little different today. After much debate, he decided to put on a little bit of eyeliner. Black eye liner had always looked good on other guys and Ryan wanted to look great for Chad. He decided he liked it.
Locking the door behind him, Ryan made his way to the lobby. As soon as he was there, he spotted Chad right away. Smiling, he walked over to him.
"Hey, Chad."
"Hey, Ry. Right on time, I see. So, you ready to go?"
"I guess. But could you at least tell me where we are going?"
"Nope, its a surprise. Now come on. We don't wanna be late."
Chad grabbed Ryan's hand and pulled him out the door. Walking to the parking lot, Chad and Ryan climbed in his car and started off. To where, Ryan had no clue but from the look on Chad's face, it must have been somewhere special.
HSMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSM
Chad was scared. Correction, he was scared shitless. Terrified even. He had made his mind up. Today would be the day. He was ready for Ryan to know the truth. He didn't think he would be able to keep it a secret much longer anyway. He had spoken to his mother the night before and while she had helped ease his mind a bit, he was still afraid Ryan would be mad that he hadn't been all together honest with him.
"Mom, I think I'm ready to tell Ryan the truth."
"Oh honey! I'm glad. You and he will make a great couple."
Silence was all Gloria Danforth heard.
"Chad, darling. Are you still there?"
"Mom, how did you know I liked Ryan?"
"Oh, you must be kidding me! Its written all over you face. I can hear it in your voice when you talk about him. You are my son and I know you. You're in love, am I right?"
Again Gloria was met with silence.
"Chad, I know you have feelings for him and if I was a betting woman, I would say he has feelings for you as well. If you want it, you have my blessing. I love him like he were my own son."
Gloria could almost hear the smile on Chad's face.
"That's good to hear cause I need to ask you something."
"Anything, dear."
"How would you feel if Ryan came to live with us?"
Now it was Gloria's turn to be silent. Chad laughed.
"The thing is, Mom, that once the summer is over, he won't have a home."
"WHAT?"
"Geezz, Ma, you don't have to yell."
"Sorry. You shocked me is all. Now, why won't be have a home?"
"His parents have disowned him. Once the summer is over, he is to pack all of his belongings and get out. Their words, not mine."
"Oh, the poor dear. And you want him to come and live here?"
"Yeah. I mean, only if it's ok with you."
"On one condition."
"Anything!" He practically yelled.
"When you and he decide to take your relationship to the next level, make sure you protect yourselves and please, please make sure I am not home at them time."
"..."
"Chad, dear, are you still there?"
"..."
Laughing at her son, Gloria told him goodnight and wished him luck.
"I love you, Chad and Ryan is more than welcome to live here. Take care and I'll see you soon. Kiss Ryan for me. Bye sweetie." Chad could hear her laughter and she hung the phone up.
That was two days ago. Chad had made his mind up and he only hoped Ryan didn't freak out on him. Today, Chad was driving Ryan to his house. Together, they were going to pack his things and take them to Chad's house.
Ryan was in for a major shock.
HSMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSM
They had been driving for about 20 minutes when Ryan started to recognize where they were going. He turned to Chad with wide eyes.
"Oh my God. Chad, no! You are not taking me where I think you are taking me!"
"And where exactly would that be?"
"My house! Well, my parents' house! Whatever you want to call it! Chad, how could you!"
Chad pulled the car over. They were less than 5 minutes from Ryan's house and Chad did not want him freaking out where his parents and sister could see. He turned to Ryan.
"Ry, listen to me, ok. Please just listen."
Ryan remained silent.
"Yes, I am taking you to your house."
Ryan opened his mouth to speak, Chad stopped him.
"No, listen to me. It was going to be a surprise but I see things aren't going to go as smoothly as I had planned. I am taking you to your house so you can pack your things. I know that once the summer is over you won't have a place to live anymore. And seeing as how I care about you, I have come to a conclusion. Once the summer is over and its time to leave Lava Springs, you will be moving in with me and my mom."
Ryan was stunned. Chad continued.
"I have already cleared things with my mother and she couldn't be more excited. She wants you to stay with us. She cares about you as much as I do."
"Chad, please. I don't understand. Why are you being so nice to me? You've never cared about me before."
"Not true, Ry. I have cared for a long time. It's just taken me a while to get here."
"And where exactly is here. Cause I gotta be honest with you, I'm getting a lot of mixed signals."
"How so?" Chad smirked.
"There! Just like that! One minute you are this great friend and the next you are totally flirting with me!"
"I am?" Chad asked innocently.
"Of course you are! And you know it! Listen, its very nice of you and your mom to offer me a place to live but I can't accept. It would be too hard."
"Why?"
"I can't be around you all day like that and not be able to...uh...I mean, um. Shit. Please just forget I said anything, alright?"
"No, Ry, finish what you were saying."
"No. And you can't make me."
"Wanna bet? Listen there was another reason for me bringing you out today. I wanted to tell you something and I really hope you don't get mad."
"Chad, why would I get mad? All you've been is nice to me. I don't think you have it in you to be mean." Ryan half smiled.
"Ok then. Here goes nothing. I've been lying to you all summer."
"Oh God." Ryan was scared.
"No! It's nothing bad! I promise. Its just...damnit, I thought this would be easier."
"Please, Chad. Whatever it is, just tell me."
"I don't want you to get mad!"
"I won't!"
"Yes, you will! I know you and you are gonna be so mad at me!"
"No, I won't, now freaking tell me!"
They were shouting at each other in the front seat of Chad's mother's car. Anyone driving by would think they were having a lovers spat.
"You will!"
"Damnit, Chad! Tell me NOW!"
"I'M GAY!" Chad screamed in Ryan's face.
Ryan did the first thing that came to mind. He started laughing.
Chad was ready for everything.
Laughter however, he was not expecting.
He was now more confused than ever.
A/N: Soooo...what did ya think? Like it? Hate it? Whichever the case may be, please review and let me know. Next chapter will be up tomorrow. Until then, Tootles:)