(Troy and Gabriella's clothes: from the audition scene - What I've Been Looking For.)

Everyone was back at school and it was now free period. Gabriella went to her locker to put some of her books away when she noticed a folded piece of paper on the bottom of the locker. She opened it up and smiled as she read:

Hey Brie,

I'm not sure if you're going to see this in time but come up to the rooftop, I've written down how to get here. So if you want to come up at free period, that'd be cool. See you in free period maybe, if not in class.

- Troy

She bit her lip and made her way up to the rooftop garden. She looked around, amazed as she saw all the flowers and plants surrounding the area, only to blush shyly as she locked eyes with Troy. She walked over and joined him on the bench.

"Wow Troy, this place is amazing, it's so pretty."

"I'm glad you like it Brie."

"So what is it?"

"The science club grow the plants and flowers but they only come after school on a Tuesday and Thursday so it's empty most of the time. I use it as a get away."

"If it's your get away, wouldn't you want to keep it a secret?"

He smiled. "It is a secret Brie, a secret to everyone but you now."

She blushed and fiddled with her fingers. "You wanted to share it with me?"

Before he could stop himself, he brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear watching as she involuntarily shut her eyes at the gesture. "You're special Brie, if there's anyone I wanted to share it with, it'd be you."

She shyly reached over and grabbed his hand. "That means a lot to me. You've been one of the best friends I've had in a long time." Though her thoughts were screaming 'and you're the first person I've fallen for.'

"You are too Brie, it's so easy and comfortable with you."

They were silent for a few moments before Gabriella spoke again. "Is there any particular reason you wanted to come up today?"

He shrugged, "not really in particular, everything just gets a bit much sometimes, all the expectations."

"From East High or basketball?"

"Both. Everyone at East High expects me to be someone, someone that I'm not. Sometimes I wish I wasn't the popular guy or the basketball captain, just once I'd like to just be normal, maybe even invisible. And as far as basketball, well being the basketball guy gets frustrating sometimes."

She rested her hand comfortingly on his forearm. "That's understandable Troy, I'm sure it's hard to have everyone's eyes on you all the time. Invisibility isn't all it's cracked up to be either though Troy. As far as basketball goes, it makes sense that there's pressure because you're really talented. You know that I love my brother, but I've never seen as talented of a player as you Troy, you have a gift."

He pulled her into a hug and rested his head in the crook of her neck. "Thanks Brie, I'm sorry, I just need to hear it sometimes."

"It's ok, they can't expect you to be perfect all the time. You're a cool guy Troy, regardless of East High and basketball, you're a nice person and there aren't many of them anymore."

He moved his head to rest upon hers and she wasn't sure, but she thought she felt him kiss the top of her hair. When they pulled out of their embrace, she spoke. "Troy, you know how you asked about that party, when is it?"

"Whenever you want to go Brie, there's one practically every weekend."

She bit her lip. "Is there anyone we know?"

"Jason is throwing a party next weekend if you'd feel more comfortable going to one hosted by the team, especially since you know Jason."

She nodded, "yeah I think I'd prefer that. Jason seems nice enough."

"He's a good guy, sometimes a little slow but an overall nice guy." She nodded and a thought popped into his head, he had to ask. "Is there anyone in the team that you feel uncomfortable around." She looked down and he tipped her chin up. "Tell me the truth."

"Umm I kinda... Hayden makes me a bit uncomfortable sometimes. I'm fine with Zeke and Jason, and I think I'm ok with Brock, but I just -"

"It's ok Brie, you don't have to justify yourself. Hayden can be a bit... dirty minded a lot of the time and sometimes a bit sexist, not that I'm condoning it at all, but he's usually an ok guy. But you certainly don't need to be near him if it makes you uncomfortable."

"Do you think I should stay away from him?"

"Honestly?" He sighed as she nodded. "I'd prefer you to stay clear of him and I'm sure Chad would too. I'm not saying he's a bad guy, I'd just prefer if you weren't around him if Chad isn't with you, or me if you're comfortable with that."

She looked at him shyly as she took his hand. "I don't think you have to ask that Troy, aside from my brothers and sisters, you're the person I'm most comfortable around."

Troy was about to respond but the bell rang. He sighed and stood them up. "I guess I'll see you later Brie." He said kissing her cheek.

"Bye Troy."

(A.N. Character inspiration for Lachlan is a young Taylor Lautner and Jasmine and Imogen are identical twins who are younger versions of Gabriella aka young Vanessa Hudgens)