Emotional Talks

His whole body ached and so the first thing Troy did when he woke up the next morning was get himself coffee and painkillers; he couldn't clear the fuzziness in his head but he could at least try and ease the hurt in his body. As the coffee and painkillers started to take effect Troy made a phone call he hadn't imagined he'd be making for a very long time; if ever.

Seeing Maddie in such a state yesterday had broken his heart; everything she'd said was true and from the moment he felt the floor give way beneath him, those were the very things that had started racing through his mind. It wasn't until he'd arrived at the hospital and tests had started to come back clear, that he let himself stop thinking those things; although they didn't leave his mind completely. The fall had been a close call, if he hadn't of landed on those rubbish bags the outcome could have been totally different and the fact that his sixteen year old niece had let herself think about life without him being there for her and her sisters made him realise that he could never let it happen ever again.

Tim would be over later in the morning and so with the girls at school Troy headed outside to find Gabriella; she'd managed to sneak out of bed without waking him and he wanted to talk to her and try to ease a few of the things that were running through her mind. He found her sat on the hammock, with all three dogs at her feet and she smiled up at him when he got close enough; although the usual sparkle was missing from her eyes.

"Is this a private hammock party or can anyone join in?" Gabriella shifted slightly on the hammock and patted her lap, indicating to Troy that she wanted him to lay with her and so he slowly lowered himself down so that his head was resting in her lap; smiling up at her when her left hand automatically linked with both of his on his stomach and her right handed started running gently through his hair.

"How you feeling? You barely moved when I got up."

"I'm sore and my head is still fuzzy but I've had painkillers and coffee so they're helping a little. How were the girls today?"

"They were okay, quiet but okay. Luke actually came to pick Maddie up but Summer and Amelia still walked to get the bus, I think they meet with one of Amelia's friends on the way."

"Tim's coming over later." When Gabriella looked at him questioningly he took a deep breath before continuing. "I can't let what happened yesterday happen again 'Brie, I can't put you all through that again. I don't ever want the girls to be faced with the idea that I'm not going to be in their lives; I don't want you to be faced with that either. My job means everything to me Gabriella but you and the girls mean more and so I need to talk to Tim about my options but I need to know that I have your support in doing that."

"Whatever decisions you make today Troy I'll back you one hundred percent, you don't have to worry about that." He pulled her hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles.

"I know there's so much we need to talk about but is there anything I can do right now that might help ease the craziness in your mind slightly?"

"There actually is, it's not directly related to what happened yesterday but it will help me try and make sense of things in my head."

"Alright beautiful, tell me what you need me to do."

"Tell me about your past Troy; your relationships I mean. You know all about mine and I know nothing about yours; I know it seems odd but it really will help me."

"It's not odd 'Brie, if it's going to help you sort your head out then I'm all for it. I didn't have any relationships in High School, I dated a couple of people but it was never anything more than that. I went to college here at U of A, it had always been a dream for my Dad and I that I would play for their basketball team; the Redhawks. I was accepted to play for them on a scholarship and study business at the same time, I didn't really know what I wanted to do with my life but I could always see myself running my own place so I figured a business degree was a good place to start. In my first semester I had to study Math, I don't really know why but it was there that I met Rachel. We hit it off straight away and after getting to know each other and going on a few dates we became official on Halloween. It was a normal relationship for the first year; she was from Florida so we had to spend summer long distance while she went home but the distance only made us stronger and when she came back for Sophomore year we took that next big step and slept together."

"Was she your first? I know you said you didn't have any relationships in High School but..."

"But a lot of people have done it by then?" Gabriella blushed with a nod. "She was my first, I waited that long because I wanted it to be right; Rachel is the one and only person I have slept with."

"Sorry for interrupting, you can carry on now." He once again kissed her knuckles, giving him time to think about what to say next.

"So as I'm sure you're aware Sophomore year is a lot tougher than Freshman and so our schedules were both pretty crazy but we still made time for each other and things were all good until the end of the year. With finals over with the plan had been to spend some time together before she went back to Florida to see her family but she last minute changed her plans and went back early; she told me it was a family thing and I didn't have any need to question it. I had a part time job working as a mechanic at the time and so although I missed her I kept myself occupied with work. We still talked all the time but I could feel that something was off but if I questioned her about it she just said it was family stuff and not to worry; at one point I offered to fly over there and be with her but she wouldn't entertain the idea of that at all. Anyway before I knew it Junior year was starting and she text me saying she was back and so I went over to her house to see her, she didn't know I was coming, I wanted to surprise her; I wish I hadn't. The front door was opened and so I walked in and up to her room but she wasn't alone...she was half naked in bed with one of my team mates."

"Oh Troy, I'm so sorry."

"I didn't stick around long enough to hear what either of them had to say, I ran out of there as fast as I could and just drove and drove until I had to pull over and throw up. Eventually I managed to get to Chad's house and being the amazing friends that they are, he and Zeke they looked after me. I was a mess in the days after that, I didn't go to class or practise until my Coach phoned me and called me in for a meeting. He said my behaviour was so unlike me and that I was one of his best players and so he wanted to do anything he could to help me get back on the court and so I told him everything. He couldn't kick this other guy off the team just because he'd slept with my girlfriend but he'd already had a couple of warnings and his effort during practise since we'd been back from Summer break had been pretty minimal and his attitude had sucked so Coach told him he wasn't on the team any more; his overall behaviour was not the kind of thing U of A accepted from their athletes."

"Did you speak to her again?"

"No, I couldn't trust myself to stay calm but unbeknownst to me at the time, Sharpay and Taylor did speak to her. She'd started cheating on me during finals, when I couldn't meet with her as much because I had so much studying to do. She says it was never supposed to be more than sex, like that somehow made it better but this other guy was from Florida too and so they had the whole of summer together, knowing I would never find out. Apparently she'd wanted to tell me but just didn't know how; I was thankful that the girls went and found out the truth for me but angry at myself that I'd not picked up on it. They both dropped out of college after that and so I pulled myself together and focused all of my energy into playing ball and getting through my degree. When I graduated I still had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and so I picked up more hours at the garage and just saved as much money as I could, I figured I would use it for something some day."

"How did you end up being a firefighter?"

"One day at work, one of the businesses near us had a fire; watching those firefighters so fearlessly walk into that building while everyone else was running the other way was like some kind of break through for me, I knew in that moment that that was what I wanted to do with my life. I went home that day and did a load of research into it and found out that they were doing a recruitment drive; the rest as they say is history."

"Thank you for telling me, I know it can't have been easy."

"Has it helped your head at all? I know I rambled a lot and it probably didn't all make sense but so long as it has helped you, then I don't care how hard it was for me."

"Yeah it has Troy, thank you. Can I ask one more thing?"

"Anything."

"When did you move into your own place?"

"As soon as I was posted to this fire house I started looking for apartments in the area and within two weeks I found one; thanks to my savings I was able to move in straight away because I had money for the deposit. Shortly after moving in I got Zeus as a puppy and then my life just became working and taking care of him. Everyone told me I should get back out there and start dating again but something was always holding me back; until I met you." Silence came over them after that and Gabriella's fingers running through Troy's hair started to lull him to sleep. "Lay with me?"

"I can't sweetheart, I need to go and finish off in the stables but tell me what time to wake you up and I'll leave you here to nap while I do that." With a mumbled reply of 'Tim's arriving at half eleven so some time before that please' Gabriella eased Troy's head off her lap and gently started the hammock swinging, allowing him to catch up on some much needed sleep.

TGTGTGTG

"Barney don't you dare go through that gate, they're coming to you, just wait." Barney whimpered impatiently but did as he was told; the speed of his tail wagging only getting faster as the girls got nearer.

"Hey girls." She smiled as the girls greeted all three dogs in turn before making their way towards her on the porch.

"How's Uncle Troy Gabi?"

"He's okay Summer, he's pretty sore but he's propped up on the couch right now, ready to chat with you all."

"But I'm hungry."

"Well Miss Amelia why don't we go grab a snack and then you can eat it while we chat, sound good?" Amelia nodded and so they made their way inside but Gabriella grabbed Maddie's hand to hold her back. "This chat is going to be emotional Mads but just remember to stay calm and be honest; it will all be okay."

TGTGTGTG

Troy sat propped up on the couch listening to Amelia chat about her day; he was letting the girls eat their snack and relax slightly before he started talking. Summer was sat to his right and Amelia and Maddie were to his left, while Gabriella sat on the coffee table; able to reach all of the girls and offer them comfort if needed.

"Girls I need to talk to you about some really important things but if you have any questions as I'm talking then you should ask them, I want to make sure you all understand, okay?" Receiving three nods he took a deep breath and started a chat he really didn't know how to have. "First off I want to say sorry for what happened yesterday, I know it must have been really scary for you all and I'm so impressed with how brave you were. I had lots of time to think yesterday while I was in the hospital and also last night when I couldn't sleep and I realised that I can't scare you girls in that way again and so I invited Tim over for a chat today and I told him just that; I told him I can't be a firefighter any more."

"Uncle Troy you don't have to quit; I was upset yesterday, I didn't mean those things." Maddie's shock was clear as she spoke and Gabriella reached over to give her hand a squeeze.

"But you did Mads and it's okay because you were right; the job I get paid for is to be a firefighter but the job that means the most to me is being an Uncle to you guys. We are the only family each other has left and I couldn't face the thought of leaving you girls; you're my world and I'd like it so stay that way for as long as possible."

"But that still doesn't mean you should quit; you love that job."

"I do love that job Summer but I love you guys more and that's why I'm not quitting, I'm taking medical discharge from a frontline role and moving on to something different; that's why Tim was here, to help me go through my options."

"What does medical discharge mean?" Troy smiled at Amelia and wrapped an arm around her, allowing him to hold Maddie's hand at the same time.

"It means that because of my two accidents and the impact it's had on me and my life, I can't do the job I have been doing but I'm still going to be staying in the fire service in a different role; I'm going to be what they call a Fire Inspection Officer."

"What does that involve?" Troy smiled at Summer as he reached over to hold her hand as well.

"It means I'll go round to different businesses, schools and care homes and make sure they're following all of the rules when it comes to fire safety. I will still be working shifts but they won't be as long nor will I have to do any nights; although there might be the odd one here and there when I have to stay away if I've had to inspect somewhere that's a bit further away."

"How come you were able to get this role so easily? They don't just have these roles waiting around do they?"

"No Mads they don't, apparently the big bosses had emailed Tim about it the other day to see if he thought any of us would want to take it; at the time he knew none of us would but when I called him this morning he thought it would be perfect for me."

"So you're still going to be working for the fire service but not in the role you signed up for, are you okay with that?"

"Yes I am because I'm still going to be helping people and keeping them safe but at the same time I'll still be coming home to you girls every night and that's what matters most."

"If you won't be working shifts in the same way does that mean we won't see Gabi as much?"

"No 'Lia of course not. Gabi and I are in a relationship, remember? She's just as much a part of my world as you guys are; if anything we'll probably see her more. Girls I'm about to ask you a question and I need you to be really honest with me; how would you feel about us staying here at The Ranch becoming a more permanent thing?"

"Well do you want us to stay with you Gabi? You can't just assume Gabi wants us here Uncle Troy." Gabriella laughed at what Amelia had said; she loved that the young girl was thinking about her in all of this.

"I would very much like it if you guys would stay here with me, that's why I asked Uncle Troy if you could move in; I miss you all when you aren't here." It had been a comment from Tim about how Troy and the girls spend more time at The Ranch than at home these days that had led to Gabriella asking Troy if there was any chance of them staying becoming a more permanent thing; he'd known his answer straight away but it wasn't just him he needed to consider.

"I guess we would get to ride the horses more if we lived here." Troy knew Amelia would be easily sold on the idea; it was the older two he was more worried about.

"You don't have to decide now girls, if you want to go away and talk about it with each other than that's fine; I just want you to be honest with how you feel."

"It would be a big change to live here all the time but if you're giving up the job you love to be there for us; the least we can do is move in here to help you further your relationship with Gabi."

"When did you get so wise?" Troy asked Summer as he pulled her in for a hug. "Mads? Did you want to invite Luke over? Chat with him about how you're feeling before you talk to us?"

"Erm yeah, is that okay?"

"Absolutely, just remember we're being totally honest here, I need to know how you're feeling in order to try and help, okay?" Maddie nodded as she left the room to call Luke; she was pretty certain she already knew her answer she just needed him by her side to hold her hand when the emotions that were bubbling inside came to the surface.

TGTGTGTG

Luke squeezed Maddison's hand as they made their way out on to the back porch where Troy and Gabriella sat on the swing seat. It had been five minutes of him simply holding Maddie before she'd started letting him in on what was running through her mind. She hadn't needed him there to help make her decision about moving into The Ranch; her answer to that had always been yes, she just needed him there to help get her emotions in check. She wasn't going to get angry this time but moving into The Ranch meant leaving her family home; the place she had the most memories of her Mum. Luke had reassured her that it was perfectly okay to feel emotional about this decision but that she needed to talk to Troy and Gabriella about it because he suspected that this was something that had already crossed their minds.

"Luke! Come and play with me." Amelia was running about playing fetch with Zeus and Barney while Luna was sat at Summer's feet while she sat reading on the hammock.

"In a minute Amelia; Maddie and I just need to talk to your Uncle Troy and Gabi first." Amelia went back to playing fetch while Luke and Maddie pulled up chairs in front of Troy and Gabriella.

"My answer to moving in here was always that I wanted to, I just didn't answer you straight away because I needed to talk things over with Luke so that things weren't so jumbled in my head when I spoke to you guys. Uncle Troy, when Mum died you moved in with us rather than finding somewhere new because you wanted us to stay surrounded by her and the memories we had in the house with her...I was scared that if we moved in here we would lose those memories and I didn't want to say it out loud because I didn't want to sound stupid or get emotional in front of the girls but Luke helped me realise that it's okay to be emotional about it and that maybe those thoughts had already crossed your minds anyway." Maddie reached up to wipe away some tears as Luke reached over to run his hand up and down her back.

"Mads do you remember the day before Mum's funeral when I asked Sharpay and Taylor to sit with you guys while Chad and Zeke took me out for a bit?"

"Yeah, you went to the park didn't you? They sat with you while you talked and cleared your head."

"We did go to the park but not initially; we actually went to the funeral home so I could say one last goodbye to your Mum. I knew it would be too upsetting for you guys but I needed to see her one more time so I could promise her that I would never let you three forget her and that I would do my best to raise you girls the best I could and give you the lives I knew she'd always wanted for you. I didn't think we'd stay at your house forever, you guys fight over the shower enough as it is, imagine how bad it will be when you're all teenagers and all have hormones flying all over the place, I'm not sure I'd want to get in the middle of that." Maddie cracked a smile at Troy as he reached over to hold her hands. "My point is that I knew someday we'd need a bigger place, I also hoped that some day I'd find that special someone; although you girls would always come first. I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I'd find both of those things in the same place and that the special someone would sadly be someone who completely understands what we're going through."

"We're all lucky to have you in our lives Gabi; you're a very special person." Troy let go of one of Maddie's hands as she reached over to give one of Gabriella's a squeeze.

"I know that house holds so many special memories for the three of you Mads and if I could somehow make the house bigger and move it here so we could all be together then I would but that's not gonna happen. I know places can bring up certain memories but you should also remember that you have so many other memories that you don't need the house to bring them to mind because they're always there because your Mum was always making sure you girls lived the best lives so you could make the best memories. You won't ever forget her, I don't want you to worry about that but she would want us to be happy and make more memories together and living here with Gabi we'll be able to do just that."

"I know we will Uncle Troy and that's why us living here is such a good idea; Mum would have loved it here. Everyone benefits from us being here; there's more space inside and outside for everyone to spread out in so you don't have to get in the middle of any hormonal fights and after what Gabi said to me yesterday, I know she's the right person for you and for us to have in our lives forever." Troy stood and pulled Maddie into a hug; he wanted to know what Gabriella had said yesterday but right now he wasn't sure his emotions could take any more.

"Do you girls have anything special at home to help you remember your Mum?" Maddie nodded as she pulled back from Troy's hug to look at Gabriella.

"Yeah we have a little area in the garden with really bright flowers and some little fairy gnome type things and we have a vase in the living room that always has flowers in it; the vase used to be Grandma's so it helps us to remember her and Grandpa too."

"So you should bring the vase here and put it on the island, I'm not against having flowers in the house all the time and bring the gnomes too and you can pick a spot here where we'll plant some flowers for you to create a new memory spot, in fact...can I show you guys something?" Maddie nodded and so Gabriella took Troy's hand and started to lead him off the deck and across the back yard; calling for the others to follow them as she went.

She led them through the stables and out of the connected barn and then turned to the right, taking them to an area behind the pond that couldn't be seen from the other side as it was hidden by long grass. To the left there was a wooden pergola with a bench underneath and it was surrounded by lots of colourful wild flowers; it looked like insect paradise. Opposite the bench was a small area of white stones with various gem style ones that sparkled when the light caught them; they were all arranged neatly around a plaque.

"Carlos and Maria Montez; always in our hearts." Amelia read aloud from the plaque. "Montez? Are they your Mum and Dad Gabi?"

"They are indeed. When I was trying to figure out where to put their ashes it Sharpay who suggested here on The Ranch; I could make it look exactly how I liked and this way I could visit them whenever I wanted to. I didn't know what I should put on the plaque, in our hearts seemed a bit odd when it was only me left but Taylor said I should go with it because although none of them had ever met my parents; they'd met me and so our friends said they'd always think of them too. If you girls wanted you could bring the gnomes you have at home and we can make an area next to my parents one where you all can sit and remember your Mum too."

"Are you sure Gabi? You designed this area especially for your parents."

"I did Summer but it's mainly somewhere I can come to sit and remember them; my parents were the most important people in my life as was your Mum to you guys; it makes sense that they get to share a special place together, a special place for special people."

"That's a really lovely idea Gabi, thank you." Maddie stepped over to give Gabriella a hug and then returned to Luke's side where she and Summer listened to Amelia's ever growing list of things they could do to make a special area for their Mum.

"Thank you; that means more to them than you could possibly know." Troy wrapped his arms around Gabriella's waist from behind and rested his chin on her shoulder. His body was starting to ache too much for his liking and his emotions were all over the place but having the beautiful woman in his arms by his side through it all; helped make it that little bit less painful.

TGTGTGTG

It was a little after eleven that night when Gabriella made her way down the stairs; Amelia had been asleep for a good couple of hours, Maddie was in bed watching Netflix and so Gabriella had spent some time with Summer. She'd been especially quiet that evening and Gabriella had wanted to check that she really was okay with everything that was happening; that she wasn't feeling overwhelmed by it all. But in true Summer fashion she was simply just taking everything in, observing everything around her before she voiced her opinions; she did have a few questions but she knew they were likely to get answered over the coming days when Troy's head started to feel less fuzzy and he was able to think more clearly.

Happy that all three girls were now settled in bed for the night Gabriella made her way through the kitchen and knocked on Troy's bedroom door; immediately receiving a 'come in' in reply. Troy was propped up in bed with his laptop and he smiled when he realised it was her at the door.

"Amelia is asleep, Summer is reading and Maddie is watching Netflix, what are you up to?"

"Just looking through some of the info Tim emailed to me about the job, I don't know why though, my head's still too fuzzy to take it in." He closed the laptop and placed it on the bedside table. "Are you off to bed now then? Now that you know we're all tucked up safely." Gabriella chuckled as she walked over to the side of the bed and lent against the night stand.

"Actually I came to ask if I could stay with you tonight? I need to go and get ready for bed first but when I am, can I come back down here with you?"

"Of course you can 'Brie, you don't need to ask."

"I know but I don't just want to sleep here Troy, we need to talk, are you awake enough to sit through another chat? It will probably get emotional again."

"I know we need to talk 'Brie and I'm more than ready for it, I'm sorry I've left you until last today."

"You haven't left me until last Troy, I needed time to get my head straight anyway. Give me ten minutes to pop upstairs and get sorted and then I'll be back, I promise." True to her word Gabriella was back in ten minutes, dressed in grey sweat pants and a t-shirt that looked very familiar to Troy.

"I wondered where that had gone, I was actually going to ask you if I'd left it here; seems more like maybe it was stolen?" Gabriella smiled with a shrug as she played with the hem of Troy's red East High t-shirt.

"I wouldn't say stolen, maybe borrowed? It was in the last load of laundry I did before you guys went home, I kept it to sleep in so I could feel close to you once you were gone." Troy smiled at Gabriella as she put her phone on the bedside table and then climbed on to the bed and sat cross legged facing him.

"Thank you for being there for me today 'Brie, I don't think I would have made it through without you."

"You made one of the toughest decisions you've ever had to make today Troy; I don't think I'd be a very good girlfriend if I didn't support you." Troy reached over to hold Gabriella's hand and she shuffled closer so that her knee was resting against his thigh.

"'Brie what did Maddie mean earlier when she said that you'd said something to her?"

"I told her that she should know that if anything did ever happen to you, that I would fight for the three of them."

"Fight for them? As in take them in?"

"Yeah, I wanted her to know that they would always have a place here; that I would take care of them just like you do."

"How did she react?"

"She didn't say anything but it obviously meant something to her for her to then say what she did; I'm glad I get the Maddie seal of approval to be in your lives forever." Troy closed his eyes for a second as he drew the confidence from within to help him get through what he was about to say.

"'Brie you know I didn't decide to stop being a firefighter just for the girls, it was a decision I made with you in mind too. From the moment I felt that floor give way beneath me all of the things Maddie shouted at me for were running through my mind; along with one other thing. I think I'd known this for a while to be honest but I wanted to be one hundred percent certain before I spoke to you about it and I wanted it to be in a slightly more romantic way than this but here goes; I love you Gabriella Montez and I know that scares you but it's how I feel and you deserve to know that. Laying in that hospital bed yesterday knowing I could have left the girls made me feel sick but knowing I could have left you too without telling you how I feel made it so much worse. I told the girls I love them more than I love being a firefighter because they're my world but so are you 'Brie, you're as much a part of my world as they are and I love you; I love you so so much." Gabriella couldn't stop the tears that started trickling down her cheeks at Troy's heartfelt words but he immediately reached over to stop them.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry."

"It's okay, I think this was always going to be an emotional conversation for me regardless of whether it was in a romantic setting or not." Troy couldn't help but chuckle at what she'd said as he took hold of both of her hands and watched as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath; much like he had moments before.

"Troy, this morning when I asked you about your past it was because I've been trying to figure something out and I needed to know that last bit of information about you to help me know if what I was thinking was right. Yesterday before Tim called me telling me you'd been hurt, I woke up with this horrible feeling in my chest and I'd just about managed to calm myself down when the phone rang and I instantly knew you'd been hurt; I think I must have woken up just after you fell, it was like somehow I knew."

"No wonder you looked so exhausted at the end of the day yesterday; you'd been awake for goodness knows how long." Gabriella smiled at Troy softly and shrugged.

"I never sleep good when you aren't here anyway." She paused and took another deep breath and Troy realised she was trying to keep her emotions in check. "I'm scared." She admitted looking him straight in the eye. "But I can't deny how I feel any more; I love you Troy Bolton with all of my heart. Knowing that yesterday could have had such a different outcome, you could have been seriously hurt or worse, I couldn't face going another day without you knowing how I feel. I've never been in love before, you know when we met that my walls were built up so high, I was so scared to let anyone else in for fear of the past repeating itself. My past is always going to effect me but that didn't stop you from knocking down those walls Troy and I can't image my life without you or the girls in it any more. Since living here our friends have been the nearest thing I've had to family but you and those three beautiful girls are my family now and I love you all so much." The true emotions of the situation took over and Gabriella allowed the tears she'd tried so hard to keep at bay to spill over.

"Come here baby, come on." Troy tugged on Gabriella's hands until she moved to straddle his thighs and he was able to pull her into a hug; allowing her to bury her face in the crock of his neck. "I'm never going to hurt you Gabriella, I'm still sticking to my pledge only I'm adding to it; I'm going to tell you I love you everyday until you aren't scared any more. I'm going to treat you the way you deserve to be treated, the way you should have always been treated because you and I are forever 'Brie; you're stuck with me now, forever and always." Gabriella stayed buried against him and so he simply held her there, running his hands up and down her back and pressing sweet kisses into her hair. Eventually she pulled back and Troy immediately cupped her face in his hands, the pads of his thumbs wiping over her cheeks to rid them of any lingering tears.

"I'm sorry, this is a happy time I shouldn't be so emotional, I'm just a little overwhelmed; I never thought I'd get to feel this way."

"Don't be sorry my love, today has been an emotional day all over but I'm glad it gets to end like this; I'm glad I finally get to tell you I love you." Troy leaned forward and pressed his lips to Gabriella's; the kiss was soft and gentle and they both allowed themselves to get lost in it as they celebrated such a big step in their relationship. "You know that you're always going to sleep amazingly now, don't you? Because I'll always be here, whether or not you want to share a bed, I'll always be here keeping you and the girls safe."

"I love you Troy and I don't ever want to sleep in a different bed to you in this house again. I was so reluctant when you were injured before because I knew you'd be going home and I didn't want to get used to you being next to me and then when you were back at work only getting to be next to you every now and then. Now that you're here permanently I want nothing more than to wake up and fall asleep next to you every day."

"That sounds perfect to me baby, every morning as soon as I wake up I'll get to tell you I love you and every night before we fall asleep I'll get to tell you I love you; sounds absolutely amazing to me." He leaned in to kiss her again and as they started to get lost in each other he dared to run his tongue along her bottom lip, happy that she allowed him entry; albeit only for a brief moment.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pull back I just panicked; I was a blubbering mess a few minutes ago Troy, I don't want our first make out session to be with me looking like this."

"You look beautiful but it's okay, we've got forever to make out, emotions are allowed to get in the way today." Gabriella smiled and leaned forward to press one more kiss to Troy's lips.

"Let me go wash my face and then we can curl up and sleep, I can tell you're tired." Troy started to protest but soon stopped realising Gabriella knew him too well and so he allowed her to disappear off into the bathroom; happy that she returned quickly and chuckled as she clambered over his legs to get to her side of the bed.

"I'm still a bit too sore for you to rest on me sweetheart but if you lay down facing the other way I can spoon you; the snuggles will be just as good." Gabriella laid down on her right hand side and moments later the light turned off and Troy was moulding his body to hers from behind.

"I love you Troy but you're exhausted so go to sleep handsome, I'll be here when you wake up; I promise." Troy had a habit of staying awake long enough so that he could lull her to sleep first but today she knew he needed permission to fall asleep first; she may not nod off straight away but she was perfectly content just laying in his arms.

"Can't wait," he mumbled as he pressed kisses into her hair. "I love you my beautiful 'Brie and I will see you in the morning."

TGTGTGTG

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