Title: Protective

Gabriella was sitting on the floor propped up against her locker. She was waiting for Troy to get out basketball practice and to keep herself productive she finished up some of her homework. As she was engrossed in "Macbeth' Chase Gibson, the captain of East High's football team, appeared at the opposite end of the hallway. He smirked when his eyes set on the beautiful girlfriend of his biggest rival, the captain of the school's basketball team. Chase walked over to Gabriella and sat down next to her on the floor. He took the book out of her hands. Gabriella looked up and over at him. She groaned quietly as she saw Chase sitting there.

"Can I please have my book back please?" she asked.

"I just wanted to get your attention." Chase said grinning. "I've been trying to get your attention since the moment you came to East High."

"Well, I don't really like it when people go out of their way to make me notice them."

"Well I seemed to have work for Bolton." Chase challenged her.

"Troy did not go out of his way to make me notice him. He was himself." Gabriella said as she flipped through her book to find her spot again.

"What spell does Bolton have over you?"

"He does not have me under any spell."

"Then why can't you open your eyes to see that I am the better man for you? Every girl dreams of being with the captain of the football team."

"Well not this girl, she's always dreamt being with the captain of the basketball team." Gabriella said as Troy came out of the locker room. "Now if you'd excuse me."

Gabriella stood up and walked over to Troy. Troy caught her in one arm and caused her to giggle. The two kissed quickly and headed to Troy's locker so he could get the rest of his stuff before they headed home. Troy watched Chase's expression go from shock to jealousy as they passed him.

"What's his problem?" Troy asked Gabriella once they reached his locker.

"He told me that every girl dreams of being with the captain of football team and I replied that not all girls do." Gabriella answered skimming her book.

"And what does this particular girl dream of?"

"The basketball captain."

"Well that basketball captain is one lucky guy."

"I like to think he is." Gabriella agreed as Troy took her book from her. "What is it with everyone wanting to take my book away from me?"

"Because I can't do this if you're reading."

Troy then tossed the book behind them before he bent down and kissed Gabriella happily. Gabriella giggled as he gently pushed her up against the lockers. She screamed slightly when Troy brushed his hand underneath her shirt and the skin of her back made contact with the cold steel of the locker they were leaning against. Troy chuckled and pulled her closer to him. Gabriella wrapped her arms around his neck. She fingers threaded into his hair lovingly. She knew that he always loved it when she did that.

After a few minutes, they decided it was time to head for home. As Troy was putting his stuff into his bag, Gabriella went to the restroom. Chase approached Troy and slammed his fist into the locker next to Troy's. Troy turned to look at him un-intimidated by the football player who was trying to lure Gabriella away from him, standing next to him.

"What can I do for you?" he asked.

"What would it cost for you to break up with our little Miss Gabriella Montez?" Chase asked. "My parents are very wealthy and there is no such thing as too much money when it comes to my happiness."

"Let me tell you something, there is no way I'm going to give up Gabriella, especially to someone like you. She is not some common whore. There's no price on her. I love her and she loves me, we're happy. I wouldn't sacrifice my happiness or hers for anything in the world." Troy told him. "You don't think she doesn't tell me how you're always coming onto her when I am not around?"

"Well, what makes you think she doesn't hit in me when you're not around?"

"Because I know that she wouldn't do that to me. Listen, I'm very protective to things that are valuable to me. Gabby is the most valuable of all and I'll tell you one thing, if you start a fight with me and she's the topic, you will always lose." Troy said slamming his locker shut. "See you tomorrow."

Gabriella came out of the bathroom. She had been listening to the entire argument. She kissed Troy on the cheek. It always made her fall more in love with him when ever he protected her or told everyone that she was his most prized procession. Gabriella always wondered what she did to deserve Troy while Troy always wondered what he did to deserve her.

"I love you." Gabriella told him as they walked out of the school.

"What brought that on, not that I don't love hearing you say it?" Troy asked as he opened the car door for her.

"I heard you defending me and our love." Gabriella said pulling him down for a quick kiss before they got into the car.

"You know I'm always there to protect you, Montez."

"And you do a great job, Bolton. Let's go to my house, my mother won't be home until nine at the earliest."

"Anything you say, Montez. I'll follow you anywhere."

Gabriella smiled and laughed as they left the school parking lot. She knew that she would be safe more the rest of her life. With Troy there to protect her, nothing could get her down. All she needed was him with her and she would be undefeated.