Well, folks a new story and before you throw your computers, iPads or phones at me virtually let me begin with…AHHHHH I can't help it. I've been sitting on this idea for a few days and as I work on my other stories, I can't…I have to get it out. SOOO let me give you a little intro.

This story takes place 2 years after the season finale. Dylan is with Kelly (sort of). Dylan has left Brenda 4 years prior. Brandon is in Washington. Brenda is in London and the gang is in Beverly Hills. There will be a few things that may not sit right with people regarding timing and maybe what Dylan does for a living. I didn't want this story to be present time and the reason is because the gang would be too old. There will be talks especially in this first chapter of cell phones and social media. Now being a 90's kids myself I know in 2002 social media was not very big. Facebook came out in 2004 and Myspace in 2003. So this story is taking place a couple years early for these platforms but oh well. So just keep in mind, its fan fiction world and in this universes I'm the boss, so in 2002 we had social media lol So without further ado…here's my newest story.

Worth Fighting For

Chapter 1

Brenda

"I don't want to be that person, but are we there yet?" My legs arescreaming in protest. He said it was a short and sweet hike. I rest my hands on my hips while trying to gulp for air, desperate to alleviate the burn inside my chest. Austin stops a few steps ahead of me, then turns around to wait. He doesn't respond to my question, ignoring my complaint with a grin on his handsome face. With his sunglasses on, and Quins cap perched on his head. To us Americans…its rugby and the Harlequins are a professional English rugby union team. After living in London for the past six years that's about all I know about that.

"Quit yer whinging, Brenda," Anna yells over her shoulder. "The fresh air could do you some good mate."

Anna is a known workout addict. For fun, she enjoys pilates, yoga and is an avid runner. How myself and her have been best friends and neighbors for years is beyond me. We are extremely different. She has golden long hair and an amazing body. She oozes self awareness and self confidence. Now I may be thin but fuck it I'm out of shape. I have never been outdoorsy or athletic and that has been a-okay with me so I'm not exactly sure why I even agreed to go hiking, considering it is probably my least favorite past time. Anna can be very persuasive it seems and Austin enjoys all outdoor activities and sports. So no convincing was needed with him.

Austin reaches for my hand to help me. He is holding my hand tight with an uncomfortable sweat building between our palms. Every inch of me hurts. My knees, my feet, and my lungs burning, making it extremely difficult to breathe.

"We're here love." Austin announces, stopping just shy of a large rock. "Do you remember this place?"

My eyes scan the area noting the plush greenery and in the distance a stunning form of Leith Tower. The day is clear and you can actually see all the way to London. It's so clear I can pick out Big Ben. It is beautiful.

A shallow sigh escapes me, only for my throat to thicken. The memories come flooding back to a happy time. Where high school felt like a lifetime ago, only the feelings and love brought me back to that time…along with an ex-boyfriend…turned not so ex. We had so many dreams, many yet to be fulfilled. It also happens to be the place we made love for the first time since the week before I moved here. Dylan and I had driven here, but this time we hiked, which threw me off since I was distracted by my lack of athletic ability. I'm trying to place why this place would be special to Austin. I'm wracking my brain, memories fuzzy over the last year.

I feel Austin behind me, his hands grip my waist firmly. His hot breath in my ear.

"It's where you agreed to give me a chance. It's where the romantic side of our relationship started. You remember right?"

I don't remember, is that bad? Looking around at the beautiful nature all I see is Dylan. It's frustrating.

His hands grip my sides harder, well shit, I think he wants an answer. My head turns a little to look at his face.

"Of course I remember." I wrap my arms around my waist over his and squeeze his hands. I look out into the city trying to remember. I feel like Austin was always trying to get me to go out with him. When Dylan lived here he was only my friend, a good friend at that, maybe even one of my best friends but I had never looked at him like that. Dylan had left me and I fell apart. Austin was there to pick up the pieces. It had taken myself a long time to agree to go out with him. I honestly could not place that time in my memory at all with Austin but he didn't have to know that.

I take a couple steps forward, "It's so beautiful here and quiet. I forgot what it's like to listen to nature. I feel like my ears are damaged by the sounds of sirens and honking horns." I try to change the subject.

Anna clears her throat, prompting me to shift my gaze to her. With a mischievous grin, she motions for me to look in the opposite direction. Slowly, my eyes glance back to Austin kneeling on one knee with a small black box in his hand.

"Austin?" I fumble as my head flinches back slightly. "Wha..what are you doing?"

He is holding my gaze, he takes a deep breath to calm himself. "I remember telling you that day all the reasons why you should give me a chance. All the reasons why we are so good together and it's simple, I love you. I can't imagine my life without you. The day you let me in, I knew there was no going back. You are my best friend. Will you marry me, Brenda?"

The little black box is open and sitting inside is a stunning huge white gold pear shape diamond ring. My mouth falls open at the sight, and without thinking, my fingers remove the ring from the box. There is no denying its beauty, an exquisite piece of jewelry. Austin comes from a very wealthy English family. The size of the ring confirming it.

I open my mouth, only to close it shortly after, unable to process a thought without it coming out all jumbled. My muscles feel weak, maybe it's the hike…but my head spins, leaving me dizzy.

A heavy feeling sits in the pit of my stomach. Marriage. This is big, it is a lifetime commitment, but I am only 27 years old, not getting any younger. I've worked my ass off in this town. Trying to be a working actor. Trying to take what I had learned at RADA and be something. I don't have time to plan a wedding. Austin is studying medicine. Given his rigorous schedule, it's not exactly like he can afford time off either. Will he want kids? Where would we live? My brain rampant on too many what if's.

Then as I look down at the 5 carat monstrosity of an engagement ring unwanted memories fight for attention. Tall…brooding…ridiculously handsome…the first boy I ever loved.

I rid the thoughts, desperate to focus on the beautiful man in front of me, offering me a lifetime of happiness. Offering me a secure, safe, loving future.

"I'm…wow…marriage." I breathe shakily. "But we just got together?"

"We didn't just get together," he says nervously. "It's been a year."

"But we're still so young."

"We're not that young. What are we waiting for?" He almost pleads. "It feels like we've known each other forever. Nothing will change, aside from you being my wife. We can take this as slow as we both need to. And your dad gave us his blessing."

I turn to look at Anna and she nods, "My dad?"

Austin asked my dad? My glance shifts back on Austin. I mean I do love him. And the last 12 months have been great. We are a well oiled machine, bringing out the best of each other. If I say yes, I will be marrying my best friend.

Behind the blue eyes staring back at me is a man who loves me and is willing to offer me stability and a lifetime of happiness. Austin asking my dad for permission renders me speechless, equally so…my dad agreeing.

I do love him…but it feels too soon.

"Brenda love," he breathes with a nervous smile, "You're kind of leaving me out here on a limb."

His face flashes before me.

His touch crawls on my skin.

And then…I'm reminded of the trail of destruction the moment he left London.

Dylan McKay never fought for me or us. Even going back to that dreadful summer, even I gave up the fight for him too. I chose me, my family and my life in London even though it almost killed me to lose him again.

It's over

It's been over for years.

"Yes." I nod, my eyes widening as I let out a gasp. "Yes Austin Evans. I will marry you."

He gets off his knee and places the ring on my finger. We peck and he hugs me tightly. I smile as tears fill my eyes. I try for the life of me to push the vision out of my head but even as I said yes…Dylan's face is the only thing on my mind in that moment.

Dylan

I sit next to the only window in the room. Outside is a gorgeous clear warm day. It's a typical day in LA. I welcome the momentary silence. The last few weeks have been chaotic. Non stop travel, endless meetings, networking, conferences, nothing remotely pleasurable. All the things that go into work these days. I would have never thought that I would ever work a 9 to 5 but the truth was I needed to grow up. I had promised Kelly commitment and stability so two years ago I started Patagonia. It's gotten to be household name for just about anyone outdoorsy, along with our extensive inventory from snow gear, surfboards, to sleeping bags, we have an enormous focus on going green. We have built repair centers worldwide to increase the longevity of our products and decrease our environmental footprint. Last year, we gave 10 Million dollars to grassroots environmental groups. The corporate philosophy is 100% for the planet, and are one of the powerhouses driving eco friendly change.

The door opens, and noise from outside the room filters through. Some of our executive team arrive early, entering with a welcoming nod before taking their places at the table. Jensen, our head accountant, takes a seat beside me without considering my personal space and starts rattling off numbers with which he seems displeased. I listen attentively, nodding in agreeance, but my focus is elsewhere.

And the very reason is about to walk in the room at any moment.

Jim Walsh

If you listen carefully, you can hear the weighted steps, each one taken with a sense of pride. The voices around me slowly filter out, and then suddenly, the energy in the room changes.

Jim's entrance is not subtle.

His presence is demanding attention.

From Minnesota to Beverly Hills to Hong Kong back to LA…Jim isn't a middle class business man anymore. He's in charge. The boss. The big Kahuna. He is the CEO of Lander Walsh financial services. The team respectfully rises from their chairs, acknowledging his arrival.

Not me though.

I don't even bother to look his way.

It's been four years since I last spoke to him…all our business dealings executed through our management team. The moment he gave me the ultimatum, to get me away from London with strings attached, we ended our relationship then and there. But as you can see, my company and his company are in bed together. Funny considering he didn't like that I was in bed with his daughter again.

I'd been called a fool to go up against the man that deals all the cards in this business, often warned of the risks and ability to lose everything I have.

But the damage is done.

I've lost everything.

All that matters.

My wealth, if measured, is rather impressive. Yet money is the devils playground. There's the freedom to do things people only dream about, but none of these things nor possessions will ever replace the heartache of letting go of the woman you love.

A phone inside the room rings, forcing everyone to silence themselves so Jim can answer.

"Hello." He states, almost void of emotion. "I'm sorry, now is not a good time."

My gaze shifts to where Jim now sits, and I observe a man who I once considered family. There's resignation in his expression, despite the lowering of his head to grant himself some privacy during the call. Ands then, he closes his eyes, monetarily, before they spring open and fall on me immediately. The usual brown eyes appear black, however despite the change in shade, his presence inside this room onsets memories.

Memories I have long buried in an effort to move on with my life.

"Congratulations." Is all he says, without the usual jovial response attached to the sentiment. "I love you too."

The call ends, prompting Jensen to suggest we start the meeting. I try to listen, as financials are talked about. Clean Water initiatives plans discussed. The truth is Jim Walsh's financial company backed this business and it exploded.

There are few disagreements that encourage others to weigh in with their opinions. After two hours, I begin to lose interest. Bored with the discussion, I respond to an email on my cell then exit my inbox. The Facebook icon in the corner of my phone showing me a notification. I barely check any of these platforms, uninterested in connecting with people who serve me no interest.

I don't bother to scroll. I simply watch the first few stories, which are mainly the gang. Kelly and Donna at the beach. Steve and Maddie. David in the recording studio with a local band he's producing. And then, in the fourth story, Anna's picture catches my attention. Anna is me and Bren's old London neighbor. My fingers move on their own accord, swiping to view the story again.

It's a picture of a hand with a what the fuck are you even trying to prove enormous diamond ring and a caption reading. "She said yes!"

My heart stops to what felt like a complete standstill. I'd recognize those fingers anywhere. They touched me in intimate places. Caressed my face so lovingly. Those same fingers I've kissed each one a million times. Fingers that have run through my hair softly until they found their way to the back of my neck, where they would often rest.

I scramble through Anna's profile, where the last few photos and posts are of her, and nothing out of the ordinary. My lips press together as I contemplate stalking Brenda's profile, something I refused to do since social media was a thing.

The name alone is a trigger, yet her profile is nothing but scenic pictures or objects, with not one picture of her.

Heading back to Anna's profile, I scroll further. There's an image of Anna with a guy I do not know in what looks like a rugby uniform. The only reason I know is because I remember from the few years I lived in London. Her post says, "Be jealous wanker." And tagged is no other than Austin Evans. Brenda's "best friend" and pain in my ass. Clicking on his name takes me to his profile which is open to view and not private.

My eyes widen in disbelief.

With a hard swallow, I try to ignore the pressure inside my chest, but it feels impossible…the pain has become unbearable.

It's the same picture, the hand with the diamond ring. Below it there is an arrow indicating there is more than one picture. So I click left, my stomach hardening at the second photo, which sends a stabbing pain straight to the middle of my chest.

Austin is on what looks like a hauntingly familiar clifftop, kneeling with the ring box in his hand. And standing there, with a happy expression, is Brenda.

Anger thrums through my veins, unapologetic with its ferocity. My nostrils flare, the temperature inside this room unbearable. The four walls surrounding us begin to close in, trapping me in this fucking nightmare called life.

"Are we done, gentlemen?" I demand, unable to control myself.

No one says a word, yet all eyes are staring at me curiously, confused by my sudden outburst.

I push my chair out ignoring everyone in the room, and head toward the exit.

"Dylan." Jim calls, his arctic tone gaining my attention.

My sweat filled palms rest on the doorknob while trying to control the anger which is tearing me to pieces. I refuse to turn around, but like the sadistic asshole I am, I do so and fall victim to the man who ruined my damn life.

"Leave her alone." He demands, with an insulting stare. "It's over."

I give him nothing.

The bastard doesn't deserve anything from me.

Exiting the room, I head straight to the restroom. Inside, I slam my fist against the stall door, the pain connecting through my entire body. But the physical pain is nothing compared to leaving her behind or the moment I chose to give up because she deserved better than me. And this pain can never compare to the last four years without her.

I have a choice…follow Jim's command once again and leave her alone.

Or…go back to London and fight for what I should have done all along.

I refuse to let him win this time.

It may be the biggest fight of my life, but I will battle until the very end, even if it kills me. Brenda Walsh is mine, and this time, no one is going to stop me. She is worth fighting for.

My fingers trace the rim of the glass, slowly gliding against the smooth edge and eying the amber liquid with a desperate thirst.

For a Monday evening, the bar at the hotel is relatively quiet. I usually don't make it a habit to even come here but tonight is not a usual night. I still live upstairs and sometimes I'd meet the gang and Kelly at the After Dark for happy hour but I don't want to see any of them.

She's getting married.

I bow my head, closing my eyes briefly as my posture falls. Bren was never going to stay single forever. It would have been naive of me to believe after four years she has been waiting for me to come back. Her stubborn ways would have kicked her ass into survival mode, most likely throwing herself into work and tours.

I just didn't expect her to fall into bed with that Evans dude and I admit it bothers me more than if it had been a stranger. Brenda loved him, they were friends, only friends, or so I thought.

"It's only you." She murmured against my lips. "It's always only been you. Austin is just a friend." I mean how many god damn times had she reassured me that one.

The moment we had reunited in London after a few months of traveling, I knew we were both in trouble. We were in too deep with no chance of escaping unscathed. The connection and love were still as strong as ever. Could it be that her love for him is a stronger force than what we had?

It hurt to even think about it, my stomach hardening at the possibility of her feelings being less than my own.

I fucking loved her.

If I'm being honest, I never stopped.

The past four years have been hell without her, but I managed to distract myself with work and my go too, Kelly. Fuck Kelly. It was only a matter of time before Brandon, let her know or Steve. She'll see right through this misery. She'll be looking for it. She'll be looking for my reaction. It will be written all over my god damn face. The truth is I care about Kelly. She makes me forget.

The matter of fact is, I chose to forget Bren ever existed in those couple of years back in LA. It was all so I could give her the freedom to live her life without the burden of me being around. She didn't have to take care of me. She could be successful, tour with her plays, be the bright star I know she is. I never envisioned her marrying someone other than me. Fuck how egotistical is that? Unless she's pregnant?

I yell at the bartender to serve me another. My hand wraps around the glass, raising it to my lips and consuming the scotch in one go.

Inside, it all becomes numb. The pain, the anger, the bitterness and resentment. The blame shifts from Jim to Austin, then back to me.

I let her go and walked away.

I didn't fight.

I was trying to save her and my money, gave up on the best thing to ever happen to me, the only woman that got me, stood by me and unconditionally loved me. And for what? All this money meant nothing. All the wealth means nothing because I sleep next to a woman that I find safe not with the one I love. She's in bed…with him. And she is going to be in bed with him for the rest of her life if I don't do anything.

Beside me, my phone buzzes. I pull the screen away to be able to focus, my eyesight poor and hazy. There are a dozen notifications; emails, text messages, missed calls. Nothing of importance to me until I spot the one I had been waiting for.

It's from my lawyer, Richard Gains.

Richard: London? Are you fucking crazy? Fuck McKay, I'll plan a flight and make something up to the board. You owe me.

I should be happy. This is what I wanted yet my thoughts torment me, a vicious cycle telling me that I am not the one she wants. Brenda Walsh chose someone else. God sadly Its about time.

She hasn't called me or written in four years. To me, it looks like I meant nothing to her.

A pain in my chest spreads all over, causing mental distress.

Who the fuck is this person? I pride myself on being strong, never letting anyone undermine me or my decisions, so why the hell am I doubting our connection?

Brenda doesn't love him. She has always loved me. With my jaw clenched and the heat rising in my cheeks, I respond quickly to Richard.

There is only one way to find out how Brenda feels, and soon, I will look her in the face and ask her why she is marrying a man she doesn't love.

Tell me what you think people. Too weird Dylan working? I mean he had to grow up sometime. He couldn't live off that measly 10 million bucks could he? HA who knows. With the way he lives probably not. Im curious if you guys are interested n where this goes. Let me know and thanks for reading.