Later that night, Troy and Gabriella were face-timing, her siblings were all asleep so Gabriella went into the bathroom. "So um what happens tomorrow?"

He scrunched his eyebrows. "What do you mean?" He could hear the hesitance in her voice. "Come on Baby, you don't have to be nervous with me."

"Well I mean we're together now and everything so what happens when we go to school tomorrow?"

"I don't understand what you mean Brie."

"Well being the Wildcat captain and all, you're pretty much the most popular guy in school and I'm just Chad's little sister who tags along. I doubt the school would be too happy if they found out we were together so I wasn't sure if you wanted to."

"Baby listen to me, I want nothing more than to let the whole school know that you are my girl, I don't give a damn what they think and you shouldn't either, I know that's easier said than done but I'll be by your side Brie I promise."

She nodded. "Ok so how exactly do we do that. I mean how does the school know that we're together because making out in front of everyone isn't exactly a priority of something I want to try."

"Brie, I don't want our first kiss to be at school in front of the lockers for the school to know we're together. I want that to be special for you. I'm not the biggest fan of PDA either so what if I meet you guys in the morning and hold your hand or something."

She blushed and nodded. "Yeah that's ok... I really need to get this blush under control."

He laughed, "no you don't, it's cute."

Gabriella rolled her eyes. "Because any girl wants to hear that her boyfriend thinks she's cute."

"You are cute Baby, there's nothing wrong with that, but you're also incredibly beautiful."

"Well you're very handsome yourself Wildcat."

He smiled at her before glancing at the time, he sighed. "It's getting late Brie, I think it's time to go."

"Yeah that's probably a good idea."

"Sweet dreams Baby."

"Sweet dreams Wildcat."

The next morning, Troy greeted the siblings as they arrived at school. "Hey Chad, Locky." He said, hi-fiving the boys before turning to his girlfriend. "Hey Brie." He kissed her cheek. He noticed Lachlan eying him, causing a realisation. "Locky, can I speak to you for a minute?"

The boy nodded and they stepped away from the group. "What's up Troy?"

"I just realised with everything that went on yesterday that I didn't exactly get your opinion on me dating your sister so I just want to know what you think."

"Look Troy, you're a good guy from what I've come to know and this is nothing against you but I just don't like the idea of my sister having a boyfriend. I just - I know how the guys in my grade talk about the girls, especially on the team and I hate it, so I can only imagine what the juniors say... Look I love my sister, I know a lot of guys would never admit it, but I do. She's the best big sister I could've asked for but I know that in ways I treat her like a little sister because I just want to protect her. She's a good girl and there's something about her that I just want to protect her, it's not innocence exactly and I don't know what it is but it's there, and I don't want to see her get hurt."

The boy exhaled. "I know you're a junior and I have no right to tell you what to do, but just don't hurt me sister. I know you'd kick my butt if I started anything, but I'd do it for Gabi."

Troy gave the boy a brotherly hug. "I have a lot of respect for you right now Locky and I'm glad to know that despite your dad not being there, you and Chad still protect Brie. But I can assure you that I'm not going to hurt your sister, I understand what you mean about that something making you want to protect her, I feel it too. I just want to make her happy."

Lachlan smiled. "And that right there is why if my sister has to date someone, I'm glad it's you. At the end of the day, regardless of anything else, as long as she's happy so am I."

"So does that mean I have permission to date your sister?"

"You didn't need my permission but I appreciate you asking, yeah Troy, you can date my sister."

"Thanks dude I appreciate it."

They returned back to the group and Gabriella questioned first. "Is everything ok?"

Troy smiled and kissed her forehead. "Yeah Brie, everything's fine." At her questioning expression, he answered. "I just wanted to make sure I had both brothers' permission."

She smiled at him adoringly and leant into him, the boy pulling her into his embrace. "That's sweet Wildcat."

Chad interrupted. "Ok guys enough cutesy stuff, can we go in now?"

Gabriella blushed and nodded. Troy took her hand and kissed her knuckles before they walked into the school. As soon as they passed the threshold, the students all stared, various emotions evident seeing the wildcat captain hand in hand with the new girl. Sensing her uncomfortable state as a result of the stares, Troy dropped her hand to wrap his arm around her shoulder as they walked to her locker.

"Are you ok Baby?"

She nodded, "Yeah I'm fine, I just don't really like people staring at me."

He brushed the hair from her face. "It's ok Brie, it'll be over soon. Something else will happen and we'll be old news."

She nodded and turned to her locker, organising her books. Troy wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her shoulder. Gabriella smiled and turned in his arms, looping her own around his neck, resting against his chest.

"Don't worry about them Brie, pretend it's just us, it's just you and me Baby." And that's what she did.