Author's note: This was originally a one-shot I thought up recently whilst working on a few stories but soon turned into a three-shot story.

Sorry if it's rough around the edges, it's been awhile for me.

Please enjoy and reviews are always appreciated.

Basic info: Brax and Ricky married, both 32 years, Heath 29 years, Bianca 30 years, Kyle 17, Casey 14.

Chapter 1

Heath clapped his hands together triumphantly as he entered the dining room to where his other three brothers were.

Kyle was standing beside the table, Casey was sitting at the table, having just finished breakfast, and Brax sat beside him.

"Well, today's the day I'm finally moving out of here and away from all your ugly mugs, hey?" Heath announced and ruffled Casey's hair.

Brax frowned, "So I guess you are all ready then?"

Heath nodded, "Ready as I'll ever be. I'm meeting Bianca in the city by twelve."

Heath noticed Kyle shift on his spot and taking ample opportunity to tease his younger brother before he left, he playfully gave Kyle a shove.

"Hey, you sook: don't cry now."

"I'm not crying! Maybe it's you who's crying and can't see straight. I mean after-all, I know how much you will miss me," Kyle teased back.

"Oi: you only wish little bro," Heath chuckled, and pulled Kyle into a headlock and ruffled his hair.

"Stop; you're messing up my hair!" Kyle laughed, but Heath only continued.

Casey ignored his brother's antics and stood up, walking off to his room without a word.

"What's up with him?" Heath asked, releasing Kyle who now sported a badly messed up bed-hair look.

"He's worried about an exam he has this week," Kyle lied and tried to straighten his hair.

"Look what you done, Heath," he complained.

Heath chuckled, "You look prettier than way Kyle."

Kyle humphed and shook his head.

"Where's Ricky?" Heath questioned.

"She's still asleep; taking her to her 20-week scan today," Brax answered.

"I'm not anymore," Ricky groaned as she shuffled into the dining room rubbing her belly.

"I swear one of these two is going to be a footy star," she joked, "I'm still recovering from the kicks and heartburn."

Brax stood up and approached his wife, giving her a kiss and rubbing her belly.

"Guess one of them will be sure to take after me then," he smiled.

"So what are my niece and nephew going to be called; come on big fella you've been keeping it secret since you first found out what the babies sexes were that you two were having?" Heath asked.

Ricky and Brax smiled.

"We were thinking of Rhianna for the girl and Seb for the boy," Ricky explained.

"Do either of them have any meaning behind the name?" Kyle piped up, whilst still attempting to fix his hair.

"Rhianna was my Mum's name and we both just liked the name Seb," Ricky replied.

"Well as much as I'd love to stay and chat, I best be off if I want to get to the city by twelve," Heath announced and grabbed his bags from the floor and began packing his car.

Brax helped Heath with his remaining bags before Heath returned back inside to farewell his family.

Ricky was the first to give Heath a hug.

"Send Bianca our love, and don't be a stranger."

"Will do; I'm sure she will want to pop down once the bubs are born anyway."

Brax was next and pulled Heath into a brotherly hug and roughly slapped his back.

"Take it easy mate."

Brax then pulled away and Heath looked to Kyle.

"You got one for me too Kyle?" Heath teased with his arms open ready to hug Kyle.

Kyle sighed and walked towards Heath, where he was squashed in a hug by his big brother.

"You make sure you keep out of trouble and don't go enjoying yourself to much while you're on this scholarship thing of yours in the UK. Make sure you keep that smart brain of yours working overtime; you got me, smarty-pants?"

Kyle rolled his eyes and pulled away from his brother.

Kyle had come home from school a week ago with news of his scholarship opportunity in the UK, giving him the option to major in music, chemistry, and basic science as well as finishing his HSC.

Obviously Brax had been so proud of his little brother, singing praise for his smarts. Heath although proud too, took the opportunity to tease Kyle for being a nerd and the smartest Braxton, while Casey had taken the news hard; wondering how he could manage without having his specially bonded with, big brother, by his every side?

Heath placed his hands on Kyle's shoulders and looked him in the eye.

"One more thing, Kyle: don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Kyle frowned.

"Trust me Heath, I'm far from doing anything you would do," Kyle smarted.

"Hey: what's that supposed to mean?" Heath exclaimed and reached his hand up ruffling Kyle's hair again.

Kyle immediately pulled away and scowled.

"Heath! I just got that back to normal again!" Kyle complained, while Brax and Ricky gave a laugh.

"Suck it up Kylie," Heath chuckled, using his affectionate nickname for his little brother.

Heath looked around and saw no sight of Casey yet.

"Casey, you big goose: you coming out here or what?" Heath called.

Casey didn't answer and remained in his room.

"Well, how do you like that; can't even say goodbye to his big bro?" Heath huffed.

"Like I said he's been stressed about his exam," Kyle defended.

"So? Too stressed to see his amazing big brother off?"

Brax shook his head, "Heath, you are so full of it."

"What? I can't help it that I'm amazing," Heath said with a shrug, "Anyway I can't wait all day."

"I'll get him to call you later," Brax assured.

"Alright then," Heath agreed.

"Bye Case!" he yelled out.

"Drive safe mate," Brax finalised.

Heath gave a final wave and got in his car, driving away.

Brax sighed and looked at his watch, "I guess it's time for us to go too," he announced.

"I'll go get my bag," Ricky announced and left to grab her bag from the bedroom.

"What time do you need to be at the clinic?" Kyle asked.

"Need to be there by ten-thirty."

"But, it's ten-twenty now," Kyle informed.

"Exactly!" Brax exclaimed.

Ricky returned and Brax helped Ricky to his Ute and placed her bag on the floor.

"Good luck!" Kyle called.

Kyle watched his big brother and sister in law leave then went to Casey's room and knocked on the door.

"Case, it's me; can I come in?"

"I guess," Casey called.

Kyle opened the door and saw Casey just sitting on his bed playing games on his phone.

"Are you alright?" Kyle asked.

"I'm fine," Casey grumbled.

"Heath was wondering why you didn't come to say goodbye. I told him you were stressed from an exam coming up. They all seemed to buy it, but what's really going on? You wanna talk?" Kyle offered and took a seat on Casey's bed.

"No," Casey grumbled, not taking his eyes off his game.

"We always talk Casey," Kyle urged.

Ever since they were kids Kyle and Casey had been close, so close that Heath often teased they were like twins; doing everything together.

Since Casey was three and Kyle six, Brax had taken over guardianship of the two youngest after their father had abandoned the four of them. It meant that Brax had to act more of a father than brother to them and with Heath having his own life, it left Kyle and Casey to rely on each other.

Kyle took it upon himself to be Casey's protector, even if it meant it landed them in trouble sometimes.

This time however, something was really bothering the youngest.

Casey glared up at Kyle and stood up from his bed.

"I just want you to leave me alone. I don't want to talk!" Casey snapped and charged out of his room.

"Where are you going?" Kyle called after him.

"I'm going for a surf, but not like that's any of anyone's business!"

Casey grabbed his surfboard and stormed out the door; leaving Kyle baffled by the behaviour of his baby brother.

Casey walked along the sand and glanced out at the waves crashing against the rocks and sand.

Why did everything have to change? It wasn't fair.

Now Heath had gone and soon Kyle would be off to the UK for his scholarship and be gone for eighteen months. What did he have left? Brax and Ricky would be having their twins in only a few months; he would be alone: no-one to rely on, no-one to talk to.

Kyle had now caught up to Casey and watched his younger brother gazing out at the surf.

The conditions certainly were not ideal for surfing, with the intensity of the waves crashing hard and the current strong.

Surely Casey would be smart enough not to risk his life out in the dangerous surf? Kyle wondered, as he kept a close eye.

Casey breathed heavily and made a run towards the water.

Kyle sprung into action and ran down to the beach.

"Casey: stop! Don't go in there, it's too dangerous!" Kyle yelled.

Casey briefly turned around and spotted Kyle on the sand running towards him. He just did not want to feel and think about being hurt by his family anymore.

Casey ignored Kyle and went into the surf anyway.

It didn't take long for Casey to wipe out on his board, drowning beneath the strong crashing waves.

Kyle watched on intensely waiting for Casey to surface.

After a few seconds Kyle noticed Casey's board float up but no sign of Casey.

Kyle panicked and threw off his shirt and pants and despite not being anywhere near as strong a swimmer as his older brothers he was not ready to just let Casey drown, even if it meant sacrificing himself.

Kyle braved the harsh water conditions searching relentlessly for Casey.

After a few minutes in the water Kyle caught sight of Casey surfacing and struggling to maintain his balance.

Kyle struggled to swim towards his brother as Casey retaliated and attempted to swim towards Kyle; feeling overwhelmed with relief that someone was there to help him.

The two brothers reached each other and both managed to swim back to shore and crawl up the sand in utter exhaustion.

Once he'd caught his breath, Kyle gave Casey a rough shove.

"Why the hell did you do that? What were you thinking? I know you understand the dangers enough when it comes to surfing to know you're not meant to go out when the water is that bad!" Kyle snapped, frowning and pointing out to the ocean.

"And why did you just ignore me? I almost lost you Casey!" Kyle continued to yell.

Casey sighed and straightened himself up, feeling slightly annoyed and hurt at being scolded by his tight-knit brother.

"You wouldn't understand Kyle," Casey mumbled.

"Try me; besides I've always understood you. It's who we are," Kyle affirmed.

Casey let out a heavy sigh.

"It's just...I don't know what I was thinking. I guess I just wanted to stop feeling so hurt," Casey explained.

"Why are you feeling hurt and why didn't you tell me like you usually do?" Kyle asked, softening his tone.

"Because I felt like I couldn't. It's just I hate the changes that are happening: Heath moving to the city, Brax and Ricky having the twins soon and now you are going overseas for ages. It's like I'm losing all my brothers and I can't do anything to stop it and I'm not going to have anyone to rely on."

Kyle listened to Casey's sad plea and watched as Casey averted his eyes down at the sand and ran his finger through it.

Kyle placed his arm around Casey's shoulder in comfort.

"You'll never lose any of us Case. No matter what happens you'll always have your brothers, and in this case three very protective and caring big brothers," Kyle assured; watching a smile spread on Casey's face.

"Brother's are forever," Kyle stated.

There was brief silence between the two before Kyle spoke again.

"Look, if it worries you so much me not being here, I don't have to take the scholarship in the UK. I can finish my HSC here. I'm sure I can still get some good career choices, even without this opportunity," Kyle offered; showing a bit of sadness in his tone.

He didn't want to pass up something as good as this but his little brother meant more to him.

Casey instantly felt guilty; he couldn't allow Kyle to ruin his future chances because of him.

"That's not fair on you when you earned this being so smart and all. I couldn't ask you to stay just for me," Casey replied.

"Hey; yeah I'd be bummed if I didn't take this chance but you are way more important to me. So, all you need to say is: you don't want me to go."

Casey shook his head.

"No; you deserve this and you should go. I just need to get my head around the fact I'm not going to lose you, or Brax, or Heath."

Kyle gave Casey a semi hug.

"Good, because it's the truth, and you know you can always video call me anytime; well almost anytime, given the time difference," Kyle stated firmly before ending with a laugh.

"That's going to be a huge adjustment. Kyle, aren't you scared to be going so far away to a foreign country by yourself, not knowing anything?" Casey asked.

"Sure, I'm actually terrified of being somewhere I don't know without the support of my brothers behind me, but I try to think of this as a learning curve of exciting adventure. Besides maybe doing video chat will be just as important for me."

Casey smiled and Kyle made an attempt to stand.

"Let's go back home, huh?" he said as he held his hand out for Casey to grab, to pull the youngest to his feet.

As they made their way up the beach, Kyle was mere steps in front of Casey.

"Thanks for saving me by the way. I know how hard it can be for you with swimming in the surf," Casey apologised from behind.

"Nothing would of stopped me from saving you, but just don't make a habit of it okay?" Kyle replied back with a smile, as he waited for Casey to catch up beside him.

"I won't. Though I guess you have to tell Brax what I did?" Casey said in a dejected tone; looking down.

"He's going to give me the longest lecture and I'll probably be grounded for ages and he'll never let me go surfing again without supervision," Casey moaned and slumped his shoulders.

Kyle chuckled.

Brax had always been strict in his parenting style and Kyle fondly remembered many times he'd gotten grounded just for coming home late from studying or music class and had gotten side-tracked that he'd forgotten the time, so he was well aware Casey was not dramatising, and if Brax found out Casey stupidly risked his life in the process, it would not end well.

Kyle swung his arm around Casey's shoulder again.

"Nah, Brax doesn't need to know everything; it can be our little secret," Kyle said as he smiled over at Casey.

"Thanks Kyle; you're the best," Casey replied, reciprocating the smile.

"What are brother's for?" Kyle shrugged.

Both boys finally reached back home and entered the house causing Brax to look up.

Ricky was resting on the lounge with a tea Brax had just placed down and also gazed towards the boys.

"Hey, where did you two get to, and why are you both wet?" Brax quizzed.

"We were just hanging out like old times and went for a walk on the beach, but clumsy Casey decided to slip over and pull me down on the edge of the water with him," Kyle lied.

Brax raised his brow, briefly wondering if he should believe that story, but then again Kyle wasn't one to lie to him.

"Well both of you take turns in having a shower and getting into some clean clothes. I'm about to chuck on a load of wash so chuck out all those wet clothes," Brax instructed.

"We will, Case can have first wash," Kyle answered and gave Casey a shove towards the bathroom.

"How did the scan go?" Kyle asked once Casey had gone.

"Yeah: all good. Both babies are healthy and growing right on schedule," Brax informed.

"That's great news. I'm so happy for you both. I'm just sorry I won't be here when they are born."

"They will still be here when you come back Kyle," Ricky said.

Finally the end of week arrived and it was time for Kyle to leave. He stood facing his older brother and sister in law, while Casey stood back against the wall wishing he did not have to say goodbye to his brother who was also his best friend.

"Are you sure you don't want me to take you to the airport Kyle; it's no trouble at all?" Brax suggested.

"I'll be fine taking a taxi, besides I wouldn't want you to leave Ricky for too long."

"Well at least take a hundred dollar note for the ride and with whatever change you have left get yourself something to eat," Brax nagged, handing Kyle over a green bill.

"Have you got all the money you need to convert over once you get to the UK?" Ricky asked.

"Yeah, I have it all sorted in my bank account."

"Well if ever you need extra you call me straight away and I will transfer some over to you," Brax stated.

"I'm sure I'll be fine, but thanks. You don't need to worry about me. I'll be fine. I'm thinking of getting a casual job just to tie me over anyway."

Brax grabbed Kyle by his arms and looked firmly at him.

"Firstly Kyle, never tell me not to worry about you, that's my job as your big brother and guardian and second, if you get a job don't make it get in the way of your studies," Brax lectured.

Kyle nodded. "Thanks again for letting me do this."

"You're a smart kid Kyle and you deserve it," Brax said with pride.

Kyle gave a smile and hugged his big brother then proceeded to hug Ricky.

"You look after yourself and make sure you let us know the minute you get there," Ricky added in a firm tone.

"I will."

Kyle made his way over to Casey who was still leaning against the wall.

"You still okay with this; it's not too late to turn back?" Kyle whispered.

Casey nodded, "I just don't want to have to say goodbye. I'm gonna miss you," Casey mumbled.

"I'm gonna miss my little brother so much too, but remember it's not for forever and I'll be back before you know it and we can video chat as often as you, or I need to; deal?"

Casey smiled and gave a nod before lunging into a hug with Kyle.

The two youngest held on tight for several minutes, until Brax announced the taxi had arrived.

Kyle gave his family a wave and grabbed his bags.

"Make sure you keep out of trouble and keep safe," Brax warned.

Casey walked to the door and watched Kyle leave.

"You okay mate?" Brax comforted as he rested a hand on Casey's shoulder.

Casey nodded and made his way back to his room.

"It's hard for him having Kyle leave, when they've always been so close; just give him time," Ricky suggested and rested her hand on Brax's chest.