Happy New Year guys! Thanks to those who reviewed. I know that the holidays are already over but my story still runs along that season. So, don't be surprised of some of the upcoming chapters. :)

You'll be In My Heart

Troy entered his brother's room, intending on checking up on Ned real quick and then get ready for bed. He was then surprised to see Gabriela by the edge of the bed watching Ned sleep.

"Anne…what are you doing here?"

Gabriela did not look at him as she replied, "He looks so peaceful. Dreamland must be doing him good. He's just so adorable to look at."

Troy had to smile at her words. She loved just watching Ned. She was clearly smitten by the young boy. Not unlike him so.

Troy sat on a beanie bag on the floor while still training his eyes on his brother and best friend.

"In the future, when I have a kid, do you think he'll be as cute and adorable as Ned?" Gabriela asked Troy as she turned to him.

Troy looked taken aback. "What? That was…random."

"Yeah, I know but…think about it. I surely would like a kid like Ned. He's such a good boy and although he has his naughty moments, he really is such an angel."

"I don't know about the angel part," Troy chuckled softly, "but I do agree with you that he's a good kid."

Gabriela nodded. She then stood up and went over to Troy. Sitting down, she leaned her back onto his chest. Troy's hand instinctively circled Gabriela's and she in turn laced their fingers together.

Silence ensued as the pair settled their eyes on Ned. No awkwardness radiated off them. Instead it was a comfortable position for them. Every so often Troy would kiss the side of Gabriela's head and she would rub her thumb over the back of his thumb.

It was a sight worthy of squeals and a parade of pictures but those thoughts never entered the pair's minds. They treated it as a normal happening and just savored every second of that particular moment.

"Anne?" Troy broke the silence.

"Hmm?"

"Is there…um…is your heart beating for…someone…right now?"

Gabriela turned to face Troy. Confusion was written on her face as her forehead wrinkled at his question. "What's with the weird stringing of question? What do you mean?"

"I mean, do you like…um...love someone?" Troy's voice faltered by the end as he bit his lip.

"You mean the romantic, boyfriend-girlfriend thing?"

Troy merely nodded.

"Why?"

Troy was flustered as he bit his lip again. "Um…"

Troy supposed answer though was easily forgotten as they heard a scream. The pair scrambled up to see Ned sitting up and crying hysterically. Troy immediately gathered his brother in his arms. Ned clung on to him tightly as tears continued to fall.

"Hey, hey. Little guy, what happened? What's wrong? Tell me."

"You left me in the playground," Ned choked on his tears. "You said you didn't love me."

Troy's heart broke as he heard Ned's answer. He could not bear to see his brother cry, much so hear the hurt in his voice.

"Ned look at me," Troy lifted Ned's chin up so the little boy could see him. "That won't ever happen. You know why? Because I love you very much and that won't ever change."

"Really?" Ned asked with big fat tears still rolling down his face.

"Yes, really."

Ned smiled lightly. "I love you Troy."

"I love you too Ned. I love you too."

When Ned turned to the side, it was only then that he noticed that Gabriela was also there. She had been quiet all this time and relished on the scene before her. As much as she wanted to soothe Ned, she knew the job would be accomplished by Troy with no difficulty. She was so proud to see Troy's reaction to Ned and her heart ached when she heard what Ned had said.

"Gabi," Ned exclaimed softly. He disentangled himself from Troy and crawled up to Gabriela who immediately hugged him.

"I also love you Gabi."

"Oh I love you too Ned."

Troy grinned at the sight before him. It was truly remarkable to him and he was pleased that he was allowed to see this blessing. Moments like these were considered as blessings. Times when he could see just how cared for and loved those special to him are. How ones vulnerabilities are greatly taken cared of by another.

He wrapped an arm on Gabriela's shoulder allowing her to lean on to him and have Ned snuggled in between them. Troy then slowly pulled them back so they were now lying down. Ned lazily draped an arm around Gabriela's waist as she kissed his forehead and murmured, "Goodnight."

Striking up a random tune, Troy looked at Gabriela trying to see if she would recognize it. She did and softly sang.

Ned, stop your crying
It will be alright
Just take my hand
And hold it tight

I will protect you
From all around you
I'll be here
Don't you cry

Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forevermore

You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart
Always

In no time, Ned was fast asleep again. His even breaths calmed the two teenagers flanking his sides.

"Thanks Anne."

"For what?" Gabriela looked at Troy as she absentmindedly stroked Ned's hair.

"For singing him to sleep."

"You know I love doing that," Gabriela smiled.

"Yeah and you should know by now that I thank you every time you do that."

"Fine, fine," Gabriela giggled but it was broken halfway by a yawn.

"Go to sleep Anne."

"But we're in Ned's bed."

"So? I think it would be better if we stay here with Ned for a while. I mean, what if he'll have that nightmare again?"

Gabriela sighed and nodded. "Okay. Goodnight Alex."

She then stretched up to place a kiss on Troy's cheek. "Sweet dreams."

With that, Gabriela closed her eyes. In doing so, she missed the blush that had slowly appeared on Troy's face.

"Goodnight Anne," Troy whispered as he turned off the lamp that was placed on top of the drawer by his side and tried to forget how good it was to have her lips graze his skin.

In the darkness, Troy made out Gabriela's form and noticed that she was slowly drifting off to sleep as well. He was a bit surprised when she brought her arm to drape across his waist.

Another blush appeared on his face. He was not sure why it had happened at that precise moment. Gabriela had done that simple gesture for a couple of times before and yet this was the first time that he had a reaction like that. So what brought the change?

Maybe because he now had a new take on a feeling?

"You'll Be In My Heart," Phil Collins