this is a little fic that I wrote after seeing the spoilers for tomorrow, and I know that it won't happen but we can live and hope!
For Amy who is the most amazing person to help keep the Fletch and Ange ship going.
Title was suggested by IseultLaBelle who is a huge fan of all celtic and folk music!
As always, reviews and shares are much appreciated!
Fletch stared at his phone in confusion when he read the notification that lingered on his lock screen.
"Meet me in pulses, I need someone to talk to."
He knew that she would only have messaged if it was important, so he made his way there with some urgency, without even stopping to help a young nurse pick up the box of dressings they had dropped as he walked past.
When he reached the small café, he ordered a tea for himself and a cappuccino and muffin for her, awaiting her imminent arrival. Ange finally appeared, flustered, and visibly exhausted.
"Hey, are you alright?" He asked gently when she slumped down in her chair opposite him.
"No, no I'm not," she responded, letting out a frustrated sigh as she picked up the coffee that he had pushed towards her when she sat down. "I'm worried."
Fletch knew that when Ange had worked herself into a state like this, he would have to tread carefully: one wrong move or saying something in the wrong way could mean she clams back up and will take a while to open up again. He had seen it many times, particularly when it came to Chloe and her tiger mother instincts kicked in.
"About…" he spoke as softly as he could, while carefully prompting her, making sure she knew that he was still there for her to talk. If it wouldn't give anyone the wrong idea, Fletch would've instantly taken her hands in his own, to ground her, but this situation was entirely different to what it was two years ago, when they were together, and free to show their affection for one another. Gradually, they had repaired their friendship, even going so far as Fletch looking after the twins when Ange had a Night Shift, and Ange was called in with no way of delegating for she was the only vascular surgeon who wasn't in theatre. But they both knew that romance would never be possible again.
Ange drew a deep breath in, "It's about me and Josh," she admitted, and Fletch's slow nod made her continue, "There's this woman, Claudia and I mean it's clear as day that she fancies Josh, but I feel like I'm…. Preventing him from having a proper life, from going out partying and drinking and having impromptu gatherings with friends, instead of having to say "not tonight, I have to get home to look after the twins" I just, I feel really bad about it, and you're the only person I trust to help me," Ange confessed, her voice shaking despite knowing that Fletch wouldn't tell anyone about their conversation.
Part of her says that, despite her relationship with Josh, she misses Fletch and the kids. She misses the unpredictability of being a maternal figure to someone else's kids, the stability of knowing that she was in a relationship with someone around her age, and because of that, not having any doubts about her relationship. Of course, she had doubts when she was with Fletch: she broke up with him not long into their relationship because she doubted his intentions when it came to Evan, but they forgave each other and moved on. She's just not quite sure if she could move on after an argument like that with Josh.
"Hey, it's ok," Fletch spoke calmly, and Ange looked up and wiped the tears that were threatening to fall. "I understand, I understand completely."
"You know when things ended with you and Jeni, I wish I had come and seen how you were, how Evie was, honestly, I was no help whatsoever after that and I'm so sorry about it," Ange tearfully admitted. She hadn't properly spoken to Fletch since it happened due to having given birth that same day and been stuck in ITU for days after, her twins finally coming home a few weeks later.
"Ange don't worry about the past. You were in a hospital bed then, you had given birth the same day it happened, no one could blame you for not having the time or energy to come to Keller. I know Evie would love to see you, I know she's missed you," Fletch smiled reassuringly.
"I'd like to see her, to tell you the truth, I've actually missed you all, even now I have the twins, it still isn't the same not seeing the kids. Maybe we could meet up for a walk in the park or something at some point?" she suggested, feeling more positive having spoken about her feelings.
"That sounds great. Anyway, how are you feeling about everything?" he asked carefully, hoping that she would open up again.
"Better, but I'm still not exactly sure if staying with Josh is the best thing for us, I still think he should be living his life not lumbered with me," speaking calmly, Ange took a sip of her coffee and bit into the muffin that Fletch had bought for her.
"Perhaps you need to find a way of talking to him, telling him how much he means to you, because if you don't, he'll have no clue that you are invested in your relationship," Fletch suggested, trying to keep his own guilt at bay from their breakup.
He had always felt guilty about not telling Ange how much she meant to him, after she confessed her love for him, he had been shocked and unsure how to react and, in the weeks after, hadn't been able to mention it. In truth, he still loved her, but couldn't tell Ange that when she came to him with her relationship struggles. Fletch told himself that Ange being happy was the priority and it didn't matter who with, provided she was content. Fletch knew that giving her relationship advice was his way of letting her move on with her life. In Fletch's eyes, Josh was the best person for Ange, and he could tell that she was happy with him, and her happiness was the most important thing.
"Thank you, you've been a fabulous listening ear, I'm so glad we're talking again," she spoke as she got up to leave. Fletch mirrored this and walked around to her side of the table.
He opened his arms to hug her, and she joined him, sinking into the hug, a familiar feeling of safety.
They were friends again and could trust each other, and both wanted the best for each other, resigned to the fact that romance would not be on the cards. They were as happy as they could be.