Disclaimer : I do not own any of these characters, they belong to Channel 7. I am just a dedicated fan trying to write fan fiction.
“Bron, hey wait up, I wasn’t joking”
I shouldn’t be surprised, Ben Markham thought to himself, this wasn’t the first time Bron had rejected him, laughed in his face, when he was opening his heart to her.
Something he didn’t often do.
Bron stopped and turned around,
Bron smiled and reached up to kiss him.
“Ben, I’d love more than anything to move in with you..”
“But..” Ben cut her off, sensing in her voice that something wasn’t right.
“I can’t, Connor will be leaving in 4 weeks time and if I move out, it will just be Jared”
“So Jared is loaded, he can afford to live by himself, or he could just find someone else to move in” Ben was starting to get irritated, he hadn’t expected things to go this way, and now he was beginning to regret asking her in the first place.
“No Ben his dad went bankrupt, remember I told you that, I mean he’s going fine at the moment, but he can’t afford to pay the rent by himself”
Ben knew his face had that pouty look on it, but didn’t care.
“Oh Ben, I’m so sorry” Bron said wrapping her arms around his waist and leaning her head on his chest, “I really do want to move in, but I just can’t, I'm sorry”
She reached up and kissed him again and he returned the kiss.
Oh well at least she hadn’t rejected him completely, she did want to move in, or so she said.
“Actually I think I’m still sick, you might need to stay for a little bit longer anyway” Ben stated smartly.
Well, he thought to himself, why not take the opportunity while its there.
“Oh, so now you’re sick hey, I guess that means straight to sleep, pity” Bron replied with a sly smile on her face.
“Oh I’m not that sick” He laughed, reaching down to kiss her once again.
He started to walk away.
“Hey where are you going” she called after him.
“Home, are you coming?” He replied smiling that irresistable smile.
She laughed and ran after him.
“You never give up do you?”
“Nope, not when I know I’m right”
“ohhhh, really, well if you can make Jared a millionaire, I’ll move in with you” Bron propositioned.
“I’ll work on it” Ben replied, knowing it would kill him to be away from this woman, even for one night.
Bron had once again started off without him, he hurried after her, picking her up around the waist and carried her giggling in front of him towards his car.
They reached his car and he put her down, but before she could get away he pushed her up against the car door and kissed her passionately.
The kiss lasted forever, and when he finally pulled away, he saw a huge smile on her face.
“So are you sure you don’t want to move in?” he asked again.
“Beeeeennnnn” Bron groaned, “I can’t”
Ben sighed to himself and got into his car, she had a habit of making him wait, but it was always well worth it in the end, he just hoped this time he didn’t have to wait too long.
>
He didn’t know what was going wrong, but things just didn’t seem to be working anymore.
They were both so tied up at work, when they finally did get to spend time together, you’d they’d cherish it, but neither of them seemed to be in the mood.
Jared loved Kylie, he just couldn’t seem to do anything right, he was tired and moody and didn’t always feel like sex. They would spend time talking but he always said the wrong thing and started a fight.
He considered turning around for a spilt-second, but it was too late she had seen him.
“Where the hell were you last night?” Kylie asked bitterly.
She had invited him over, but he just felt like being alone, the idea of an argument seemed too tiring.
“I’m sorry, I fell asleep” He replied hoping she wouldn’t see through him.
“Again, what’s that, the 2nd time this week!” She was starting to get angry now.
He knew she wanted it to work too, but she was putting too much responsibility onto him.
“A relationship is a two-way path you know” Jared stated out of the blue.
“Excuse me!” Kylie said in a raised voice.
Jared looked around; the idea of starting an argument in the middle of the ward was not appealing.
“Ok, its obvious things haven’t been to good between us at the moment and I think it’s time we tried to sort it out, let’s go into the tearoom.”
Kylie followed him in and stood against the bench while he sat down.
“What I mean Kylie is that you always put the blame on me, I’m the one who is always at work, I’m the one who is always tired, I’m the one who never wants to spend time together, I’m the one who…
“I get the point!” she cut in almost yelling.
“Do you?” He asked back, “You’re just as responsible as me, if you wanted things to work, you would push me so hard”
“And you wouldn’t back so far off” This time she was yelling and Jared could see tears forming in her eyes.
He hated being responsible for them, the last thing he wanted to do was hurt her, but they couldn’t keep going on like this.
“What do you want me to do then?” She questioned sharply as the tears slowly started to fall.
“I just want you to give me some space..”
“How much space do you need, we’re lucky if we see each other more than 3 times a week! And every time we do you wish I wasn’t there”
“That’s not true” He yelled back.
“Well what is it then?” she was crying and yelling and Jared could see Bron and Connor looking at them through the crack in the door.
“I don’t know, I honestly don’t” He replied.
He didn’t, he loved Kylie and didn’t know why he was acting this way, they had always been a strong couple and now it seemed like they were drifting further and further apart.
“If you don’t tell me how to fix this, what can we do?” Kylie snapped at him.
“Once again it’s up to me isn’t it” He snapped back.
“Are you telling me you don’t want to fix it?” She shouted.
“Are you!”
There was silence, neither of them wanted it to end, but yet neither of them was sure what to do about it.
Suddenly Terri stuck her head in the door, “Kylie your needed down in emergency”
“Thanks Terri” She said as she headed towards emergency wiping her eyes.
“Everything alright?” Terri asked softly.
“Not really, can I take my lunch break now?” Jared asked not ready to deal with the sick and unhappy right now, he could be of no use to them.
“Of course” Terri replied, “ I know you two will work it out”
She smiled at Jared as he left the tearoom and headed towards the cafeteria, but he didn’t feel like smiling back.
Jared looked up from his cup of coffee as Ben pulled up a seat.
“Hey” He replied unenthusiastically.
“What’s up?” Ben asked.
Jared sighed, he didn’t really want to discuss it with Ben, since his relationship with Bron seemed to be going great Ben would just be full of crappy love speeches, which Jared didn’t need to hear right now.
“Nothing, I’m fine” He replied.
Ben saw right through Jared and from what Bron had been telling him, he sensed it had something to do with Kylie.
“If you don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine” He said getting up.
“Wait” Jared called and he sat back down.
Jared suddenly felt like spilling out his heart, he needed to talk to someone he was sick of it all just welling up inside, and besides Ben and Steph’s marriage wasn’t always a bed of roses.
“It’s Kylie” He said, taking another sip of his coffee.
“I don’t know what went wrong, I mean we used to have a great relationship, but it now it feels like it’s like a chore spending time together…”
“You mean we don’t love her anymore?” Ben interrupted.
“No that’s the thing, I do still love her and I want to be around her, but it just seems that whenever I’m not at work , I’m studying or just too tired to go around and see her. When we do spend time together I sometimes wish that I wasn’t there.” Jared sighed again, why did things have to be so complicated, maybe it would be easier if they just ended things, although that really wasn’t what he wanted.
Ben’s head started spinning, Jared felt like he wasn’t spending enough time with Kylie, and wanted to take things easy, Bron wouldn’t move in with him because Jared couldn’t afford the rent on his own, the solution seemed so obvious.
“Why don’t you ask her to move in?” He said suddenly.
Jared looked up surprised.
“You say your not spending enough time together, well that way she would always be around, and you could just enjoy each others company and give each other space when you need to.”
Why hadn’t he thought of that, Jared asked himself, ask Kylie to move in!, it was perfect and they were both ready for it.
“You know what Ben, that is a great idea, I’m going ask her tonight.” Jared smiled , he just hoped she said yes.
“I’d better get back to it” Ben said as he got up.
“Thanks a lot mate” Jared said, surprised how clear everything suddenly seemed.
“No problem, give me a call tonight and tell me how it all goes ok?” Ben said.
“Sure” Jared replied and saw Ben smiling to himself as he walked off.
"Jared please tell me your coming to Cougars tonight” Connor pleaded, dreading another night alone with Jodi.
“Sorry mate, I’ve got to ask Kylie something” Jared replied smiling.
Whatever, Connor thought to himself.
“Bron” He ran around the desk draping his arm around her shoulders, “You coming to Cougars tonight?”
“Sorry Connor, but I’m…”
“Let me guess, going to Ben’s!” He cut in.
“And they tell me your not an intelligent male” She said sarcastically, laughing as she walked off.
Now he was faced with two choices, spending the evening at home alone or spending it with Jodi at Cougars.
He didn’t know how long he could hold up this façade anymore.
The minute he had seen her in that club he knew he was still in love with her and now that he had been working with her and having a drink with after work with her everyday, it was driving him crazy.
He saw her coming towards him and he swallowed his heart.
“So you coming to Cougars tonight Jod?”
‘Yeah ok, let’s go”
Damn it, she was hoping he wouldn’t ask her again.
She hadn’t thought much about Connor after she had had the baby aborted, until he turned up at her club.
It struck a feeling within her heart that she had never experienced.
The only reason she’d agreed to take her old job back was because he would be leaving for London, and now she didn’t want him to go.
Get a grip, she told herself as they headed for Cougars, You don’t want to fall in love.
They sat there in silence both grasping a glass of beer, despite their past there had never been an obvious nervousness between them, until now.
“Jodi I love you” Connor suddenly blurted out, at the same time as Jodi said, “Connor I love you”
Then there was silence once again.
They both wondered what had just happened, what had caused them to suddenly expose their feelings.
Finally Connor spoke, “Do you mean it?” he asked hopeful.
Against all better judgement, Jodi nodded.
“Oh Jodi, I realised as soon as you came back I was still in love with you, I just never imagined that you would still feel the same” Connor said ecstatically.
“I don’t want you to go” Jodi stated, now that she had started she might as well get everything out in the open.
“I don’t want to leave you Jodi, but I’ve already excepted the position” Connor replied disappointed.
Suddenly Jodi was on his lap, and they started kissing, letting tongues explore each other’s mouths and letting out their bottled up lust.
When the kissing died down, Connor’s mind started racing.
He couldn’t leave Jodi, not now, not after they were finally back where they belonged, but this job in London was such a step in the right direction, he couldn’t have both. Unless.
“Why don’t you come with me?” Connor said suddenly.
“What?” Jodi leaned back placing her elbows on the table, “To London?”
“Why not, I can’t leave you now, not after this…”
“But, I can’t just leave everything I have here” Jodi interrupted jumping off his lap.
“But you don’t have anything here!” Connor stated.
“What about my job, my friends, my flat” She said frantically, as she started pacing the length of the table.
“What about love” Connor said softly, getting up.
Jodi stopped, she suddenly knew what she wanted to do, she wanted to go with Connor, so what if she had to sacrifice a few things, so what if it was an irrational decision, now that she had seen him again, there was no going back.
She grabbed him and pulled him towards her, “When do we leave?” She asked cheekily.
“Come in” He said quickly, decided whether to just come right out and ask her or do the whole romance thing first.
“Look, Jared, I just want to say, I don’t like what has been going on with us lately” Kylie said as they headed towards the lounge.
“Neither do I Kylie” Jared said taking a seat, “ I know that we have both been busy, but that’s still no excuse.”
“Your right it’s not and I’m sorry I’ve been pushing you so much, but…. I miss you Jared.” She said.
“I miss you too and I love you,” he said standing up, “and I feel there’s only one way to fix this.”
It was time he thought to himself.
“Why don’t you move in”?
Kylie’s eyes opened widely,” What?” she asked shocked.
Panic set in, he was right, she did think it was too early, but there was no going back now.
“Why don’t you move in with me?, that way we would always be together, but we could just take it easy, and then when we do want to heat things up a bit, we won’t have to go far at all.” He said smiling.
Kylie smiled back, it did seem like the perfect solution, she felt much the same as Jared and needed to spend time together just relaxing, besides they were both definitely ready for the change, but there was just one problem.
“Jared I really would love to move in here, be with you, it would be perfect, but what about Bron and Connor?” She asked.
Jared was prepared for this, as much the same thought had crossed his mind earlier.
“Well Connor’s leaving in less than a week, and I’m sure Bron won’t mind, I mean if it was just me and Bron living here people might get the wrong idea, he laughed, “so what do you say?” He said optimistically.
Kylie smiled back, everything seemed settled, “I say that I love you Jared Levine and nothing would make me happier than living with you” she replied happily.
“Is that a yes?” Jared teased.
“Yes” she replied before pulling him into a passionate kiss.
“Ok, spill the beans, who are you waiting for?” Bron demanded of Ben as she lay in his arm on the couch.
“Huh?” Ben mumbled back turning his head to look down at her.
“Who are you expecting a call from you’ve been staring at the phone all night!”
“I have not” He replied in defence.
“You have” She exclaimed detaching herself from Ben’s grasp.
“I’m sorry”, he said pulling her back down, “I’m just a bit distracted that’s all”
“Oh well sorry if I’m not stimulating enough for you” she replied pretending to be hurt.
Ben laughed, “Oh I wouldn’t say that.”
They were in the middle of a kiss when the phone rang, Bron pulled away quickly and dived for it, “Hope it’s not your secret lover” She teased.
“Hello Ben Markham’s house, Bron Craig speaking, Ben’s girlfriend!” She said into the phone trying not to laugh.
“Hey Bron” The voice on the other line replied.
“Ben you’ve been having it off with Jared!!” She squealed.
“I haven’t been having if off with anybody” Ben said in a raised voice and grabbed the phone off Bron.
Ben looked at Bron, raised his eyebrows and directed them towards the kitchen.
Bron sighed and walked into the Kitchen, wondering what little secret’s they were conjuring up.
Ben walked into the kitchen a few minutes later with a grin on his face.
Bron looked up as she heard him enter and seeing that grin on his face was even more confused.
“Ah, I was right you are having an affair with Jared” She said half jokingly.
Ben walked over to where she was standing and picked her up, she wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck and smiled at him.
He smiled back, “Why would I want to be with anyone else but you” He said before giving her a passionate kiss.
“Guess what?” Ben said smiling after the kiss had ended.
“What?” Bron replied.
“Your going to have a new housemate, Jared has asked Kylie to move in.”
“Oh my gosh”, Bron said as Ben placed her down on the kitchen bench, “That’s great”
“Are you sure? I mean won’t it be a bit much sharing with another woman, I mean there’s only one bathroom and I know how much of a bathroom hog you are”
“Heeey” Bron replied slapping him playfully, already guessing what Ben had in mind, “I guess it will be strange sharing with another female, but what can I do? She smiled at him with that cheeky look in her eyes.
“Well you could always move in with me, I mean now that Kylie will be living with him, Jared won’t have a problem paying the rent.”
“I hardly think Jared is going to let Kylie pay to live with him” Bron said suddenly realising her dream may not be possible.
“Yeah, but I have a feeling Kylie will be able to talk him around, I mean he doesn’t really have much say in the matter”
Bron smiled again, she wasn’t 100% convinced, but she didn’t care, she wanted more than anything to move in with Ben and she knew he wanted it too.
“So” He asked again, “Will you move in?”
“ Yes” she replied happily throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him.
He picked her up off the bench again and carried her down to their bedroom without taking his lips away from hers.
Connor and Jodi filed through the airport gates, followed closely by Bron, Jared, Kylie and Ben.
Uh-oh, Jared Levine thought as he saw Kylie Preece heading towards him, he knew what it meant. Another lecture, another spiel about his lack of effort and his lack of commitment.
Hey mate.”
“Knock-Knock.” A strange nervousness overcame Jared as he went to answer the door. Ever since Ben had suggested that he ask Kylie to move in, he thought it would work out perfectly, but now he wasn’t so sure.
Epilogue
Connor had been awash with emotions all day.
He had worked his final shift on Ward 17 the day before and said goodbye to his colleges and friends and All Saints hospital and now he was about to say goodbye to his best friends.
Although he was sad to be leaving them behind, he was excited about what lay ahead, a new country, a new job and of course, Jodi.
He dropped his bag on the floor and took a seat in the waiting lounge, Jodi joined him.
Bron also sat down and placed her arm around his shoulders resting her head on his right one.
A slight smile crossed her lips as she remembered some of Connors more embarrassing moments.
"Kylie, Jodi, You wanna go get a coffee?" Ben asked, sensing Bron, Connor and Jared wanted to be alone for a while.
"I don't have time for a coffee, I have a plane to catch!" Jodi whined.
"Well you can buy me one" Kylie suggested, pulling Jodi up by the hand.
Jared took her seat as she followed Ben and Kylie to the café.
"I'm gonna miss you guys so much" Connor suddenly blurted out.
"We'll miss you too" Bron said reaching over to give him a hug, Jared reached over and hugged him too.
"I Remember when I first moved in, we were all single and happy living as great mates forever, now look at us, Connor's moving half way around the world, Jared's got Kylie, I've got Ben" Bron said.
"No matter what happens in our lives, where we are, who we're with, we'll always be friends" Connor said, holding back tears.
"Of course" Bron and Jared replied in unison, hugging him again.
Connor and Jodi's plane was called over the loudspeaker and they all made their way towards the boarding gates.
Jodi hugged each one of her friends in turn, wishing Jared and Kylie luck in getting their relationship back on track, promising Bron she would get her pissed when she came back to visit and told Ben to take care of her. They all wished them both luck and told Jodi it had been a privilege knowing her, even if it was only for a short time.
Connor gave Kylie a hug and told her to look after Jared, "If he's become a druggo by the time I come home, I'll know who to blame" He said laughing.
Ben shook his hand and wished him luck in his new job.
"Look after Bron for me", Connor said, "Keep her out of mischief"
"I'll try" Ben replied laughing.
Bron ran forward and gave Connor a giant hug, "I'm gonna miss you so much, we had the best times together" She said as her eyes filled with tears.
"We did didn't we" Connor replied smiling, remembering what it was that made him love her so much, even though he loved Jodi, Bron would always have a place in his heart.
Jared also gave his best friend a big hug, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do" he said laughing.
"That's not hard" Connor replied, realising just how much Jared meant to him.
"Take care mate" Jared said as Connor headed through the gates, Bron ran forward and hugged him again.
"I'm coming back Bron" He reassured her.
"You'd better be" she stated, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
He grabbed Jodi's hand and they headed towards the plane.
They stopped at the door and waved goodbye to their friends one last time, before entering the plane and disappearing from sight.
Ben put his arm around Bron as she started crying at the sight of her best friend disappearing for a year, maybe more.
"You want to get out of here" He asked gently
She nodded.
The four of them headed out towards the car park, already missing their friends.
"Well I guess I'll see you tomorrow" Jared said to Bron, as it would be her first night officially living with Ben and Kylies first official night living with Jared.
"Yep" Bron said giving him a hug.
"I feel like I'm losing both my best friends" Jared said sorrowfully.
"I'm only a 10 minute drive away, not a 10 hour flight" She laughed.
"Good" Jared replied as he got into his car.
Both cars left the car park at the same time and Bron beeped the horn as Jared turned right and she turned left and, unknown to her, Connor's plane left the runway, and the 3 Musketeers headed their sperate ways.
The End