Unscripted Connections

[Zig]

Story Title: Unscripted Connections
Type of story: One Shot 
Main Characters: Kate Ritchie, Joel Mcilroy and Chris Sadrinna
BTTB rating: T
Genre:  Drama, Angst
Does story include spoilers:  No, .
Any warnings: General
Summary: For Kate Ritchie the set of Home and Away hadn't been the same since Joel Mcilroy finished filming his final scene eight months ago, she's sad and pushing away Chris Sadrinna who meant to be playing her new love interest Brad however when a surprise visitor shows up Kate's the happiest she's been in months and Chris is jealous and finally cracks at Kate which leads to Kate revealing some home truths.

 

For Kate Ritchie, the Home and Away set had always been a place of joy—a second home filled with friends who felt like family. Over the years, she had grown used to the rhythm of the show, the inevitable goodbyes as castmates moved on, and the excitement of welcoming new faces. Though she stayed connected with many who had left, Kate also made a point of getting to know the newcomers, opening her heart and embracing the ever-changing dynamic on set. It had been a source of comfort, a place where she could thrive.

That all changed in 2003 when Joel McIlroy joined the cast as Flynn, her on-screen love interest. From the moment they met, Kate and Joel clicked effortlessly. Their bond deepened quickly, evolving into a close friendship that felt almost inseparable both on set and at industry events. Their chemistry was undeniable, not just in front of the cameras but offscreen as well. Everyone around them—castmates, crew members, even fans—could see the special connection they shared.

But when Joel decided to leave the show to take a much-needed break, something inside Kate shifted. His departure left a noticeable void. On set, she became quieter, more reserved. While she still spoke with the cast members she already knew, she no longer made an effort to connect with the newer faces. The openness she had once embraced was replaced by a cautious distance, as if she were shielding herself from the pain of getting close again only to face another goodbye. The joy and ease she once felt on set had dimmed, leaving her to navigate an environment that now felt unfamiliar and lonelier than before.

 

About three months ago, the producers had informed Kate that Sally would be moving on from Flynn with a new love interest, Brad. Kate had made it clear she wasn’t happy about the decision. The thought of Sally moving on from Flynn, her soulmate, felt wrong to her. On a personal level, Kate couldn’t imagine anyone other than Joel playing her on-screen partner. The idea of replacing that connection felt almost unbearable.

When Chris Sadrinna arrived on set, his enthusiasm was impossible to miss. He was clearly thrilled to join the cast and take on the role of Sally’s new love interest. But Kate didn’t share his excitement.

She could vividly recall their first interaction. She had been sitting alone, practicing her script, her mind heavy with frustration and resentment about the upcoming storyline.

“Hi, I’m Chris. I’m playing Brad.” His voice was upbeat, warm, and eager, but Kate didn’t even look up.

“Yeah, hi,” she mumbled, her tone flat and dismissive. Without sparing him another glance, she returned her focus to the script in her hands.

The truth was, as the start of the storyline drew closer, Kate’s anger and isolation only deepened. She couldn’t shake the disbelief that the writers were moving Sally on from Flynn—the love of her life, her soulmate—so quickly. It didn’t feel authentic to the character or the relationship Sally and Flynn had shared. The more she thought about it, the more furious and disconnected she became.

 

Over the following few weeks, Chris had tried to make an effort with Kate, hoping to get to know her. Whether it was by buying her coffee—which she would refuse to drink—or requesting to practice their lines together, he was determined to build a connection. After all, they were filming a lot of scenes together.

But Kate shut him down immediately, responding with a blunt and firm "no." She didn’t want to practice lines with him, and she certainly didn’t want to be his friend. The more Chris pushed, the more uncomfortable Kate felt around him.

 

The crew and their fellow castmates had started to notice Kate’s obvious dislike for Chris. Many of them didn’t understand it—Kate was usually warm and approachable, someone who gave everyone a fair chance. At least, she used to be. But with Chris, it was different. She hadn’t even tried to get to know him before making up her mind. She went straight to disliking him, and the crew and cast couldn’t help but feel sorry for Chris as he continued to try, with little success, to break through her walls.

One day, Chris had finally had enough. Frustration and confusion were eating at him, and he couldn’t understand why Kate seemed to have such a problem with him. Deciding he needed answers, he approached Ada Nicodemou, one of their castmates, while she was eating lunch.

“Mind if I join you?” he asked hesitantly.

Ada looked up and smiled warmly, gesturing to the seat beside her. “Of course. Is everything okay?”

Chris shook his head, running a hand through his hair as he sat down. “I don’t get it,” he admitted, his voice tinged with frustration and hurt. “Why hasn’t Kate given me a chance? Do you have any idea?” His tone softened as he spoke, almost pleading. More than anything, Chris wanted to figure out how to break through the tension. He knew that their on-screen chemistry depended on trust, and without it, their scenes together would suffer.

Ada frowned thoughtfully, setting her fork down. “I honestly have no idea,” she admitted. It confused her as much as anyone else. Kate’s mood had shifted noticeably in recent months, and every day Ada found herself wondering what had caused it.

“So… she hasn’t been like this with anyone else?” Chris asked, his voice heavy with doubt and self-reflection. Was it something he had done? Was he the problem?

Ada shook her head. “No, never,” she said firmly. That was all she could say.

Chris sat there for a moment, her words repeating in his mind. It didn’t offer him the clarity he was searching for, but it confirmed what he had feared—Kate’s reaction to him was different.

After a moment, Chris pushed back his chair abruptly, murmuring a quiet “thanks” before leaving Ada to finish her lunch in peace. He couldn’t sit still any longer, not with so many unanswered questions swirling in his head.

As he walked away, he found himself hoping—praying—that after their next scene together, he might finally have the chance to talk to Kate. He needed answers, clarity, something to explain why she had shut him out so completely. It wasn’t just about their working relationship anymore. It was about understanding what he could do, if anything, to fix it.

 

Kate and Chris stood at their marks, waiting for the scene to begin. It was supposed to be a moment where Brad comforted Sally, but to say Kate was dreading it would be the understatement of the century.

“Action,” the director called, and Kate forced a smile, doing her best to stay professional as she waited for Chris to deliver his line.

“Sal, I know you’re scared,” Chris said, slipping into character with his usual charm—the same charm he’d tried, unsuccessfully, to use on Kate off-screen.

“I…” Kate began, but her words faltered. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed something—or rather, someone—standing behind the monitor. Her fake smile instantly transformed into a genuine, radiant one. Without a second thought, she darted off-camera, completely ruining the take.

“Kate!” Chris called after her, his confusion clear, but she didn’t look back. The scene, the set, the cameras—none of it mattered in that moment.

Her attention was fixed solely on Joel, whose smile was just as wide as hers. He stood there with his arms open, waiting for her, and that was all the invitation she needed.

Kate closed the distance in a few quick steps before leaping into his arms. Joel caught her effortlessly, lifting her off the ground as she wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. His embrace was steady and warm, one arm securely around her lower back and the other gently cradling her upper back. Without hesitation, he pressed a kiss to her forehead, and she closed her eyes, exhaling a soft, contented sigh.

The crew, who had been filming the scene between Kate and Chris, paused to watch the reunion unfold. Smiles spread across their faces—it was the happiest any of them had seen Kate in weeks.

Chris stood frozen, watching the exchange with a mix of curiosity and bewilderment. He couldn’t help but notice the immediate shift in Kate’s mood—the lightness, the joy, the undeniable connection she shared with the man who had just arrived. He wondered who this stranger was, but one thing was clear: whoever he was, he meant the world to Kate.

 

"I can’t believe you’re here," Kate said softly, her eyes locked on Joel’s. She clung to him tightly, as though letting go might make him disappear. The moment she saw him, the set that had felt so hollow for weeks finally felt like home again. For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt like herself.

"Well, I missed you. I missed everyone," Joel replied, his smile as wide as it was warm. "It’s been a few months since the Logies, so I figured it was about time for a visit—to see everyone, but mostly to see you."

Kate blushed slightly, the color rising to her cheeks as she returned his smile. "It was definitely overdue. You have no idea how happy I am that you’re here."

Joel chuckled, his gaze unwavering. "I think I might have an idea, considering you just ruined a take. That’s not exactly like you, Kate."

At his playful remark, Kate’s eyes flicked over to the crew, noticing their grins. She hadn’t even realized how much of a scene she’d caused until now. The producer, Cameron, stepped forward, his expression kind and understanding.

"We’re just glad to see you smiling again, Kate. It’s been a while. How about you two take some time to catch up? We’ll redo the scene later," he said, his tone light but encouraging. He knew full well that if he didn’t let her go now, no work would get done anyway.

Kate looked at him with gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you," she said, her voice full of sincerity.

"Thanks," Joel echoed, nodding in agreement.

Gently, Joel lowered Kate back to the ground, but she didn’t release him completely. Her arms slid around his waist, holding onto him as though to make up for lost time. Joel smiled at the gesture, his own arm draping around her back protectively as they began to walk away from the set together.

The crew watched them go, still smiling. The connection between Kate and Joel was undeniable—effortless, natural, and brimming with the kind of chemistry that didn’t just light up the screen but every room they walked into.

 

 

Chris stood on set, his arms crossed tightly over his chest as he watched Kate disappear from view. He hadn’t heard the conversation she’d just had with Cameron, but her abrupt departure left him seething. Frustration bubbled over, and he strode toward the producer, his jaw set and his annoyance barely concealed.

"We’re supposed to be filming, and you let her ditch work to catch up with some random guy?" Chris snapped, his tone sharp. He’d had enough of Kate’s distant attitude toward him, and seeing her drop everything for this man had pushed him over the edge.

Cameron, unfazed, looked up from his clipboard. "He’s not just a random guy, Chris," he replied evenly.

Chris’s frustration deepened. "Then who is he? Kate’s boyfriend? Because she sure seems fond of him," he said, his voice tinged with irritation.

Cameron sighed, realizing he needed to explain. "That’s Joel McIlroy. He played Flynn," he said, his tone matter-of-fact.

The name hit Chris like a freight train. Joel McIlroy. Of course. He’d heard so much about him from their fellow castmates. While Kate had barely spoken a word to Chris, he’d overheard Mark and Sharni reminiscing fondly about Joel—how incredible it was to work with him, how much they missed him. And now it was glaringly clear that Kate felt the same, if not more.

Chris swallowed hard, his frustration twisting into something heavier. "So, I’m competing with another man," he muttered, the words slipping out before he could stop them.

Cameron raised an eyebrow but ignored the comment. "Kate and Joel were always close," he explained. "They were each other’s rocks on set. To be honest, she hasn’t been as happy here since Joel left."

Chris frowned, the weight of Cameron’s words settling in. He hesitated for a moment before asking, "Were they ever together? I mean, I’ve only seen them today, but they’re acting like a married couple."

Cameron shook his head, his expression softening. "No, they were never together. But they’ve always acted like that. On set, at events—everywhere. They played husband and wife on screen, sure, but they were like a work husband and wife off screen too."

Chris clenched his jaw, his frustration now mixed with something more complicated—a sense of inadequacy he couldn’t shake. Cameron gave him a pointed look before adding, "Don’t make a scene, Chris," and walking away, leaving Chris standing alone on set.

As he stood there, Chris felt a strange mix of anger and resignation. No matter how hard he tried to connect with Kate, it seemed like Joel was a presence he’d never be able to match.

 

Kate and Joel had been walking, lost in conversation, when they both came to an abrupt stop, realizing where they had ended up—the set of Sally and Flynn’s bedroom.

Joel glanced at Kate, a soft smile on his face. "Shall we?"

Kate returned his smile and let go of his arm, stepping toward the left side of the bed. She laid down on her side, instinctively facing him. Joel moved to the right side, mirroring the way Flynn always had, lying as though he was stepping back into character.

"You have no idea how much I miss filming with you, Joel," Kate said, her voice cracking slightly as the emotions bubbled to the surface.

Joel’s expression softened. "I miss filming with you too. But you know, if you ever want to catch up or hang out, all you have to do is call."

"Yeah, I know," Kate replied quietly.

Noticing the shift in her tone, Joel reached out, gently rubbing her back. "Okay, what’s wrong? Talk to me," he pressed. "Before you saw me earlier, I noticed how sad you looked, how unhappy you seemed. What’s going on, Kate?"

Kate hesitated, then moved closer to him, resting her head against his chest. "Do you want me to be honest?"

"You know I do," Joel replied immediately, his hand still lightly rubbing her back. "Now, tell me what’s going on."

Kate took a shaky breath. "I hate how they’re making Sally move on from her one true love, her soulmate. I’ve never questioned a script before." She paused, struggling to get the words out.

"But this time, you are," Joel finished for her.

Kate nodded. "You know as well as I do that Flynn was the love of Sally’s life—and she was his."

Joel sighed, his face reflecting her anguish. "Yeah, they were. But it was bound to happen. As much as it breaks me, they weren’t going to keep her single forever."

Kate tilted her head to look up at him. "It would be easier if I felt comfortable around Chris, if I felt a connection with him."

Joel’s brow furrowed. "But you don’t, do you?"

Kate shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "No. I don’t feel safe around him. It was so different with you. I felt safe—completely safe—but not with him."

Joel gently wiped away her tears with his thumb, his expression tender but concerned.

"I get that you had to leave, Joel, but I wish you hadn’t. I miss you. I miss Sally and Flynn. I miss us going to events together, all of it," Kate admitted, her voice trembling with emotion.

Joel pulled her closer, holding her tightly as though trying to shield her from her pain. "I’m always here for you, Kate. You know that—no matter what," he said firmly.

Kate nodded, trying to gather herself, but before she could say more, the sound of footsteps interrupted them. Cameron appeared in the doorway, looking apologetic.

"Sorry to interrupt," he began, glancing between the two of them. "We need to film this one scene with Chris."

Kate’s smile faded instantly, her happiness replaced with a frown that didn’t go unnoticed by either Joel or Cameron.

"I managed to move the rest of your scenes to another day," Cameron explained, "but Chris refused to reschedule this one."

Anger flared in Kate’s eyes as she looked from Cameron to Joel.

"What if I come with you? Watch the scene being filmed?" Joel suggested gently.

Kate hesitated, then nodded. "Okay," she agreed softly.

Joel stood and extended a hand to her, helping her up. He didn’t let go, instead wrapping an arm around her as she mirrored the gesture. With their arms entwined, the two walked toward the set, Cameron falling into step beside them.

 

The moment Chris spotted Kate walking onto the set with Joel by her side, his posture stiffened, and he hunched his shoulders, clearly annoyed. His frustration only grew when he saw her laughing and smiling—a smile that hadn’t graced her face around him in weeks. It was like a punch to the gut when she gave Joel a massive hug before Joel took a seat next to Cameron, leaving Kate to walk toward him. As she approached, the warmth in her expression faded entirely, replaced by a guarded, almost resentful look.

Chris couldn’t hold back anymore. The moment Kate reached him, arms crossed tightly, he leaned in, speaking in a low, stern voice so no one else could hear. "Can you at least try to smile and be happy around me?"

Kate stopped, her expression darkening. Whatever restraint she’d been holding onto snapped. Her voice rose as she fired back, loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. "No, I can’t! Don’t you dare try to force me to do something I don’t want to do!"

Her outburst startled him, but Chris was too stubborn to back down.

"What’s that supposed to mean?" he demanded, his voice rising to match hers. "What have I done to deserve this attitude?"

Kate’s hands clenched into fists at her sides as she took a step closer. Her anger was palpable, her voice shaking with emotion as she yelled, "You push me so hard, Chris! You make me feel uncomfortable every single day on set, and I’ve had enough of it!"

Chris’s face turned red with indignation. "I’ve done nothing to make you feel that way! So why are you acting like this?"

The tension was suffocating as the two glared at each other, their voices echoing across the set. Joel, who had been sitting quietly up until this point, stood up, his protective instincts kicking in. He crossed the distance in a few long strides, placing himself firmly between Kate and Chris.

"Enough!" Joel’s voice was calm but commanding, his tone carrying the weight of authority. He turned to Chris, his eyes blazing. "Back off, Chris."

Chris’s frustration turned toward Joel now. "And what exactly do you think you’re doing?" he snapped. "This has nothing to do with you!"

Joel took a step forward, his voice steady but deadly serious. "It has everything to do with me when you’re treating Kate like this. She’s told you how she feels, and instead of listening, you’re doubling down and trying to intimidate her. That’s not okay."

Chris let out a humorless laugh, throwing his hands up in frustration. "Oh, I see how it is. You swoop in like some kind of hero, huh? What is Kate to you anyway? What gives you the right to stick your nose where it doesn’t belong?"

Joel didn’t hesitate. His voice softened slightly, but the conviction behind it was unshakable. "Kate is one of the most important people in my life. She always has been, and she always will be. I won’t stand by and let anyone—especially you—treat her like this."

Chris’s face twisted with anger, and he scoffed. "One of the most important people in your life? What are you, her knight in shining armor?" He gestured toward Kate, who was standing quietly now, her face a mixture of gratitude and exhaustion. "No wonder she’s been so difficult lately. She’s too busy clinging to you to do her job properly!"

Joel’s jaw clenched, but he remained calm. "Don’t you dare try to blame Kate for this. She’s doing her job just fine—despite how you’ve been treating her. If you spent half as much time respecting her as you do making her uncomfortable, maybe you wouldn’t be in this situation right now."

Chris’s frustration boiled over, and he stepped closer to Joel. "You think you’re better than me, don’t you? You think you can just walk in here, all smiles, and make everything perfect for her?"

Joel didn’t flinch. He stood his ground, his voice firm and unwavering. "This isn’t about being better than you, Chris. This is about showing a little humanity. You don’t have to like me, and you don’t even have to like Kate. But you do need to respect her."

Kate finally found her voice, stepping closer to Joel’s side. "Joel’s right. I don’t need you to like me, Chris, but I do deserve to feel safe and comfortable at work. And if you can’t provide that, then maybe you’re the one who doesn’t belong here."

Chris opened his mouth to retort but stopped, realizing the growing number of eyes on them. Cameron stood nearby, his arms crossed and a disapproving frown on his face.

"This discussion is over," Joel said firmly, his hand resting lightly on Kate’s back as if to shield her from further conflict. "If you have a problem, take it up with someone else. But right now, we have a job to do, and it’s time for you to act like a professional."

Without another word, Joel gently guided Kate toward Cameron, leaving Chris standing alone, stewing in his frustration as the weight of his actions began to sink in.

 

Kate and Joel walked toward Cameron, who was waiting near the edge of the set, his expression a mixture of concern and regret. He immediately stepped forward, his voice soft but filled with sincerity.

“Kate, I owe you an apology,” Cameron began, his tone earnest. “I had no idea you were feeling this way. I should have seen it—should have noticed how uncomfortable you’ve been around Chris. That’s on me, and I’m so sorry.”

Kate paused, her shoulders relaxing slightly. “Thank you, Cameron,” she said quietly. “I’ve tried to brush it off for weeks, but it’s been hard. I just didn’t know how to bring it up without feeling like I was making trouble for everyone.”

“You’re never making trouble by speaking up,” Cameron assured her. “You have every right to feel safe and comfortable here, and it’s clear that hasn’t been the case. I promise you, I’ll handle Chris. He won’t treat you—or anyone else—like that again.”

Joel, standing protectively close to Kate, chimed in. “Appreciate that, Cameron. But for now, I think Kate’s done enough for today.”

Cameron looked between the two of them, understanding dawning in his eyes. “You want her out of here?”

Joel nodded firmly. “Yeah. I’m getting her out of here. She needs space to breathe and feel safe again. This set hasn’t been that for her today—or for a while, it seems. So, if you don’t mind, we’re going to call it a day.”

Kate looked up at Joel, her expression a mixture of gratitude and emotion. “You don’t have to do this, Joel,” she said softly, though there was no mistaking the relief in her voice.

“Yes, I do,” Joel replied, meeting her gaze. His tone was gentle but resolute. “You’ve been carrying this alone for too long, Kate. I’m not letting you deal with it on your own anymore.”

Cameron nodded, a small smile of approval on his face. “Take all the time you need, Kate. We’ll reschedule your scenes, and I’ll make sure Chris is dealt with before you come back.”

Kate hesitated, her eyes darting between Joel and Cameron. “I just don’t want to be seen as difficult,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Joel’s hand lightly touched her back, grounding her. “You’re not difficult, Kate. You’re strong. And you’re doing what you need to do to take care of yourself. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

Cameron chimed in, his voice filled with conviction. “Joel’s right. You’re one of the most professional people I’ve ever worked with, Kate. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.”

Kate let out a shaky breath, the tension slowly ebbing away. “Thank you,” she said, her voice steadier now.

Joel smiled down at her. “Let’s get out of here, yeah?”

Kate nodded, a small smile breaking through. “Yeah. Okay.”

Cameron watched as the two of them turned to leave, the chemistry between them almost palpable. The way Joel instinctively kept his hand on Kate’s back, offering silent support, and the way Kate leaned ever so slightly toward him spoke volumes.

As they walked off the set together, Joel glanced down at Kate. “You want to grab a coffee or something? Maybe talk things through?”

Kate looked up at him, her eyes softening. “Coffee sounds good,” she said. “But only if you promise not to let me monopolize the conversation. I want to hear about you too.”

Joel chuckled. “Deal. But only if you promise to let me spoil you a bit. You’ve had a rough day, and you deserve it.”

Kate smiled, her first genuine one of the day. “I’ll hold you to that.”

They walked out of the building together, their laughter trailing behind them. Cameron, still watching from a distance, couldn’t help but smile. Whatever tension the day had brought, it was clear that Joel and Kate had a bond that could weather anything.

Edited December 16 by Zig