Name: Transatlantic

Chapter One: The American Dream

Pairing: Troy/Ryan

Author: xxBoppingAllTheWayxx

Word Count: 920

Warnings: Slash

Summary: An overseas trip to Britain opens up a whole new world for two very lucky boys.

Like cattle, the members of the East High School drama class were herded swiftly into the small pen that constituted their classroom, each one impatient as to find out why this "emergency meeting" had been called.

Ms. Darbus swooped into the room, the lower edge of her baby-blue shawl swung over her shoulder, and stood in full view of her class. Behind her glasses, her eyes were darted between her students, her gaze travelling from face to face of the youths awaiting her instruction.

"Now, class, I have called you all here today because I have something very exciting to share with you all."

Pausing for dramatic flair, she gave a rare smile, her eyes resting upon Ryan and Sharpay Evans, sat in the centre of the front row, knowing smirks already set on their faces.

"And, after an anonymous donation," she gave a barely discernible nod to the twins before continuing, "the principal has agreed that the entire drama group would benefit for an all-expenses-paid trip to London, England to experience the fabulous selection of "West End" theatre therein!"

The class immediately broke into frenzied whispering, each student thoroughly excited by the surprise vacation. At the front of the class, Sharpay and Ryan shared a smug, self-congratulating high-five.

Ms. Darbus, however, stressed a number of ground rules that she insisted would be severely enforced. "This trip will be an opportunity to immerse oneself in a foreign culture and truly experience a new way of living. So, to ensure you concentrate upon the world of theatre, you will be split into same-sex pairs..."

There was a resounding groan from the assembled students, and even Ryan and Sharpay shared a concerned look. Unaffected, Ms. Darbus continued her tirade. "And, of course, there will be a curfew of 10pm... and that's their time, before any of you try that particular loophole."

As time went on, the teacher gave more details and laid down further restrictions, yet nothing was able to dampen the spirits of the overexcited students and, before the end of the day, mad squabbles had taken place over choosing partners.

As the self-proclaimed Queen of the Campus, Sharpay had no difficulty when it came to finding partners and, despite annoyed at the enforced gender-divide, happily picked Gabriella as her buddy. Ryan, on the other hand, had a much more difficult experience.

Despite being part of the prestigious Evans dynasty, and co-head of the Drama Club, Ryan had never been very good at making friends. Those whom had befriended him either wanted a piece of his money, or a piece of his sister.

He had grown quite fond, however, of Gabriella and Chad during the summer vacation at the Lava Springs Country Club, especially after the three of them had bonded working together of the Talent Show. However, the strict same-sex rule forced Gabriella out of the equation and into his sister's clutches, and Chad had instantly paired up with another guy from his basketball team.

Weeks went past quickly, and Ryan was no closer to having someone to share the trip with, and began to think that he'd have to spend the entire vacation in the company of Ms. Darbus which, whilst he'd see a lot of the theatre, he wouldn't enjoy that much. As far as he was aware, he was the only person in the entire group who hadn't managed to find a partner, a thought which he found rather depressing.

On the morning of the trip, Ryan and Sharpay loaded their heavy cases into the trunk of Sharpay's pink coupé. The holiday mood had taken over the siblings, and the pair enjoyed the car ride to the airport with Kim Wilde's 'Kids in America' blasting from the sound system.

Before they knew it, the airport loomed ahead of them, and they pulled up in the long-term car park. Ryan emptied the trunk of his leopard-print cases, and also his sister's zebra-print cases. Between the twins, they were ready to take the United Kingdom by storm.

Joining the horde of classmates already arrived, Ryan noted how everyone immediately latched onto their buddy in excitement and anticipation for the vacation about to begin. Trying not to attract attention, Ryan leant against a nearby pillar, listening as Ms. Darbus began to hand out tickets.

Sharpay and Gabriella were the first person to receive their tickets, and giggled as they walked over to the large window and began to look at the different aeroplanes taking off and landing. Ryan, however, was one of the last people to get their tickets.

When Ms. Darbus finally reached him, she asked the question he'd been dreading to answer.

"Ah, Mr. Evans! And your partner...?"

Ryan mumbled something in response, too quiet to be audible, and Ms. Darbus forced him to repeat his answer.

"I haven't got one, Ms. Darbus."

"I see..." Ms. Darbus turned to face the crowd and, without an ounce of discreetness, spoke to the congregation. "Right, Ryan needs a partner. Step forward those of you whom didn't make arrangements."

One person stepped forward, and their appearance caused Ryan's eyes to widen and his cheeks to flush scarlet. The figure raised his hand before running his hand sheepishly through his hair.

"Ah, Mr. Bolton. How nice of you to volunteer."

Ryan's eyes met Troy's, and a smile simultaneously appeared on the faces of each boy. This vacation was going to be better than he had expected, thought Ryan in anticipation.

Sorry, guys, no real action in this chapter.

Joey ~x~