Ok so here is my new story for the Braxton brothers. It's angst, obviously, with hurt for someone and comfort coming from others – sound familiar? Ha ha.

It's loosely based on some spoilers I've read about upcoming episodes, but I don't know exactly what's planned so I've made up my own version. It's a work in progress, so we will see how I go.

Again I don't own anyone you recognise – I just like to hurt them when I've got a few minutes!

Chapter 1

Casey Braxton shut off his phone with a deep sigh. He'd just spent ten minutes enduring his ex-girlfriend singing the praises of his rough neck father. What had concerned him the most was that during their conversation, he had found out that Ruby had told his father about Charlie – because she wanted him to know how badly losing her had affected Brax, perhaps giving some sort of explanation of why he was treating his father so badly. Casey had got quite angry with Ruby for 'blabbing' about Charlie, worried that he would find out about her inheritance.

He found himself sat near the beach watching the surf roll in, trying to sort everything out in his head. Maybe his dad wouldn't go back to being like he was before prison, people can change can't they? Casey always liked to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, but what Brax had told him about Danny from their younger days still played through his mind, coupled with the fact that Heath, the one who wanted him out of prison in the first place, had stormed home the other night vowing that he was done with Danny for good, didn't give Casey a good feeling.

So deep in thought, he never noticed Brax jogging on the beach – that is until he came right up to him, casting a shadow over him, "Casey, you ok?"

Casey blinked in surprise and looked up at the looming figure, "I'm fine, why what's up?"

Brax shook his head as he dropped down next to his obviously preoccupied brother, "I've been shouting you…"

"I didn't hear you," came the simple reply.

"Thank you Captain Obvious" Casey smiled.

"So what's up?" Brax pushed.

"Why do you think anything is 'up'?" Casey counted, not really wanting his brother on his case at the moment.

"I'm your brother – I know you inside out…"

Casey was about to make some sarcastic reply but decided against it. Instead, he found himself spilling everything that had occurred in the last half hour, "But I'm going to sort it. He won't get his hands on Ruby's money…"

"Casey trust me when I say don't get involved…" Brax implored knowing full well that his good hearted brother would more than likely get in over his head.

"Look maybe if I can make him believe that I'm on his side against you…" Casey began, but quietened down when he saw Brax shake his head, "No way Case. If he finds out you're playing him…"

"How's he going to find out?"

"You don't know what he's like, I do… he'll know," Brax insisted.

"I'll be ok Brax, honestly. Just … just promise me you'll be around if I need you."

"I'm never far away, you know that!" Brax replied, not liking where the conversation was heading.

Casey stood up, "Leave it with me."

"Believe me dad, I've tried before but she won't give any of her money away," Casey was explaining to his increasingly impatient looking father.

"I thought she was your girl? She should do as you ask!"

"You're joking! Ruby is her own person – you don't make Ruby do anything," Casey explained staring intently at his fathers face.

"Well I know what I would do…that would persuade her to tow the line!" Danny was studying his youngest son's face.

"W…what do you mean by that?" Case was almost afraid of the answer. The stinging strike across his face took him by surprise, almost knocking him off his feet, "That's how I'd keep her in line – that's how I keep everyone in line…especially people who think that they can pull the wool over my eyes!" Danny seemed to be sneering at him by now.

Although Casey's face was stinging like crazy, he realised that his dad was on to him and his idea, so he utilized the pain from his face and channelled it into something else. He strode right up to his dad and got right into his face, "You don't scare me old man! Brax was right about you all along! Well your bully boy tactics won't work on me! You'll get what's coming to you, what you deserve and I hope I'm there to see it!"

Breathing heavily he began to turn away, "You stay away from Ruby!"

With that last statement, he turned on his heels and left the caravan park as quickly as his legs could carry him.

As Casey neared the house, he hoped that his brothers would be out like they usually were at night. Unfortunately for him they were both at home. He let himself in as usual, and made his way straight to the kitchen where he grabbed a packet of peas from the freezer and laid it on his cheek.

"What the hell?" he heard from behind. He spun round in surprise to be met with the puzzled expression of his middle brother, "What did you run into?" Heath questioned with a small grin on his face.

"Nothing," Casey tried to leave the room, only to run straight into Brax, who was already trying to move the bag of peas away from his face, "Geez Case, who hit you?"

When his brother didn't answer, but also refused to look him in the eye, Brax knew.

He whirled round and grabbed the car keys from the table.

"Brax?" Heath questioned, totally confused by what was happening.

"It was dad wasn't it?" Brax questioned as Casey looked away, "Casey?"

Casey braced himself for the 'I told you so' that he was sure was coming as he nodded.

Heath felt his blood begin to boil, "I can't believe he hit the kid!"

"You were right Brax when you said he knows when you're playing him. He was showing me how he would keep Ruby in line to get her money…" Casey almost whispered, ashamed that he couldn't keep up his end of the plan.

"What else did he do?" Brax demanded.

Casey shook his head, "Nothing – just stood there while I ranted at him. Told him we weren't scared of him anymore and to leave Ruby alone!"

"Well, tough guy, way to go getting him riled up even more!" Heath commented.

"Oh come on Heath, it's about time he knew that we're not scared of his bully boy tactics…" Casey looked at Brax, who took a deep, steadying breath; "It's not that simple Case…" was all he said.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going to pay dad a visit. No-one hits you and gets away with it!"

Casey grabbed his arm, "No don't please. Heath's right, I've already riled him up – I don't want him taking it out on you," he cried desperately.

"What happened to the 'I'm not scared of you'?" Heath couldn't help but taunt.

"I'm not scared of him; I just don't want Brax to get hurt or something!" Casey insisted.

Brax looked from Heath to Casey – noticing again the bruise forming on his little brothers face, which sent another surge of anger through his veins – but he also could see the concern on the younger boys face. He sighed deeply as he dropped the keys back onto the table, "He won't get away with this though Casey," he stated forcefully.

Later that evening, Casey sat on the sofa watching TV, but even that couldn't take his mind off what had happened earlier and the ache in his heart as he now realised what a truly bad apple his father really was.

Brax broke into his thoughts as he grabbed for his keys, "I've got to go to work – you ok?"

Casey nodded, "Yeah, I'm good…" he replied, unconvincingly.

"Hey there's an extra shift going at work tonight – you interested now you've finished your studying?"

Casey perked up at the idea, "Yeah, that'd be great – will give me something to do – keep my mind off other things."

Brax smiled, "Ok good – see you in an hour then – oh and Casey, don't forget to try to cover that bruise, don't want to put the customers off!" Brax laughed as he opened the door.

"You're hilarious!" Casey shouted as he waved him out of the door.

Suddenly the house was quiet again, apart from the noise of the TV. Heath had left earlier to hang out with friends; Brax had gone to work so now Casey was truly alone in the house.

So that's the first chapter – phew it felt long – hope it wasn't too long to read! Not sure about it, but then again I never am sure when I post anything, so I hope you will let me know how I'm doing.

I realise that the story is playing out on H&A in Australia but I am not trying to follow that story line, I'm kind of taking some of the spoilers I've read and making it my own.

Should I go on? Please let me know – thanks so much.