FULL DARK

BROOKS EVAN WILDER The urge to R U N , the restlessness The heart of S T O N E I sometimes get The T H I N G S I've done for foolish pride The me that's never satisfied The face that's in the mirror when I don't like what I see I guess that's just the C O W B O Y in me

[bwildxr]

georgiiebanks‌:

Although she had had many experiences in her life, riding horses was one that she had only gotten the chance to do a few times while working on the show she’d been on for the longest portion of her career. It was something Georgie missed, but also something she hoped was like riding a bike and would come back to her once she got on. “Y’know, that actually sounds really nice. Who doesn’t like having a little picnic with a view?” Georgie replied with a grin. “What are you feeling food-wise? Something simple like sandwiches or wraps or do we want to get elaborate and go for, like… pasta salad or something along those lines? Or maybe all of the above? You can never really go wrong with more food.”

“Food-wise I’m feeling...” He trailed off as he began to ponder the different options Georgie was offering. Of course, they were all pretty good. She wasn’t wrong when she said they couldn’t go wrong with more options. “I’m thinking sandwiches and maybe a pasta salad? Wraps require more brainpower than I really have,” he admitted with a laugh and made a motion towards the house. “Alright, let’s go up and get some food. Then we can grab some of the apples that I dropped on the ground and bring them for the ponies.”

[bwildxr]

carolineclcrk‌:

where: the ranch

with: @bwildxr​

          Gently caressing Mimosa’s mane, Caroline smiled as she fed an apple to the mare that had accompanied her for so long. Today, the weather was gentle enough that she could ride without needing to be padded by so many layers of protection, her riding pants and boots were enough followed by a thicker polo shirt and a leather jacket. Riding horses was one of the few things she was actually thankful her parents had forced her to do, and she had always felt as though she could connect with nature at a deeper level than she already had in the past. “What do you want? Want to go for a trail ride?” She chuckled as Mimosa neighed and she took it as an excited yes, she was excited too. “I’m gonna go and nag Brooks to see if he wants to go with us, okay?” She patted the mare once more and walked out of the stables, greeting every other volunteer she could find before she found the grumpy old man she was looking for. “Hey old man,” Callie made herself announced, “I was thinkin’ ‘bout takin’ Mimosa for a ride, care to join? Take advantage of the weather.”

The weather that day had prompted many volunteers to arrive to the ranch to par-take in the multiple chores that were begging to be completed. There were some mucking out stalls while others were getting food ready for the week. Some were taking horses out and others were taking food out to the other farm-friendly friends. Brooks was currently inside the barn, a horse in the crossties and its foot in Brooks’ hand. He was carving out all of the dirt and other shit from its foot when he heard a voice. He set the animals foot back down and rocked back on his heels, groaning as he straightened up. “Old man?” He said then with a playfully offended tone. “Who you callin’ old man?” A grin appeared then as he turned and set eyes on Callie. “I still can’t get over that name,” he said with a chuckle, “Goddamn Mimosa,” Brooks shook his head before patting the rear end of the horse he was standing next to, a small cloud of dirt rising into the air. He looked over his shoulder at the animal before back to Callie. “I guess I could take some time to hang out with y’all,” he said then with a smile. “What trail are you thinking today?”

[bwildxr]

outgoing 📲 mel

Melody: It better work! You know I love you dearly

Melody: I intend to, and you can do the same for me 😉 I'm sure you've got plenty of stories for me

Brooks: I do be having stories

Brooks: Mostly about how many times I've been bit by a duck but they are still valid stories

[bwildxr]

outgoing 📲 quinn

QUINN: i'm drowning my sorrows brooks

QUINN: okay but

QUINN: i should have more questions but ONE cow?

Brooks: HEY, I'm working on it, okay?

Brooks: You could TECHNICALLY say two cows... but the other one is a retired bull riding bull soooo he's not really a cow but he is very nice

Brooks: There are like 2 sheep tho and a few goats

Brooks: I'm essentially running an elaborate petting zoo at this point

[bwildxr]

outgoing 📲 mel

Melody: You and I are of different minds on the subject! Maybe you can convince me down the line.

Melody: You and I can gallivant without him to make up for it, how about that?

Melody: I'll shoot for Friday? Then if we get a little too caught up in reminiscing, I can spend the night and not feel bad about keeping you there. 😉

Brooks: I'm definitely going to try to convince you, it would be fun!

Brooks: That works... I GUESS.

Brooks: Perrrrfect. Sleepover time. Then you can spend all night telling me alllll about what you've been up to recently. 😘

[bwildxr]

jessgrcyson‌:

where: brook’s ranch

with: @bwildxr​

          Oh God, she hated manual labor. Despised it. Wanted it to go straight to hell. Besides, the whole place just smelled and she was used to hospitals and smelly people, but smelly animals just took it to another level. Someone said the ranch work would be good for her— she had been feeling way too antsy with everything that had been going on and working there alongside other veterans was supposed to make one feel good about themselves. Useful, even. But Jessica didn’t have the same smile on her face as some other people did… she had a grimace and she was sweating even though it was still cold outside. That was ridiculous, right? Just plain ridiculous. She groaned as she finished her last task and walked over to the nearby bench so she could rightfully drop on it and catch her breath. “It’s gonna be hard work but it’s fun,” she said to herself as she blew a raspberry, “I’m gonna smell like horse shit for the rest of the week.”

Work at the ranch had been feeling extremely rewarding. As if Brooks’ normal day job wasn’t rewarding enough, this felt slightly more rewarding at least in the morality department. There hadn’t been a ton of people to go through the program yet as it was in its infancy stage; however, the small handful who had volunteered for a trial seemed to be enjoying most of it. There were always a few components that would end up in the suggestion box; however, everyone overall seemed pretty happy. Although, that day there was one individual who seemed like they would’ve rather the ranch be more of a spa than anything. He couldn’t really blame them, though. The work there wasn’t really for everyone. He stopped as they sat on a bench to catch their breath, a laugh on his lips as he stood before them. “Could be worse, yeah?” He cocked a brow, “I mean, cows smell way worse than horses. This is relatively clean shit if you ask me,” Brooks added on with a laugh. “Go on up to the house,” he offered then, “Get a bottle of water and kickback if you want,” he looked around the yard for a second, the quiet nature of, well, nature, soothing to him. “I’m guessin’ that ranch work isn’t your usual, huh?”

[bwildxr]

outgoing 📲 mel

Melody: I'm 10000% sure I'm too fragile to be a mustang wrangler!!

Melody: I'd like that. I've already done some catching up with Devon, but I need to know what my other best friend has been doing without me here.

Melody: My schedule's mostly flexible, so just let me know when I should make my way out there and I'll bring groceries with me.

Brooks: NAHHH, you can do it

Brooks: Yeah, yeah, you and Dev galavanting without me

Brooks: Anytime works, I'm usually out here all weekend and then Thursday and Friday for sure

[bwildxr]

georgiiebanks‌:

Location: Brooks’ ranch With: @bwildxr​

Georgie was grateful for the introduction Devon had made between her and Brooks. While the man wasn’t someone Georgie would have typically gone out of her way to interact with had it not been for their mutual friend, having gotten to know him more, she realized he was much less intimidating than he initially appeared to be. Being able to escape town, especially right now while everything was still so fresh with her slip up, was a godsend, and she found herself out at Brook’s ranch at least once a week helping him to muck stalls and other general upkeep to help keep her active and her mind off her current problems. “Alright, I think I’ve gotten all of the stalls,” she said as she approached him, pulling off the work gloves she was wearing. “Laid out some new hay in a few of them, so I hope that’s okay. What else have you got for me? Put me to work.”

During the week Brooks had the assistance of two ranch hands to take care of the animals; however, on the weekends he typically took it upon himself and with the help of a few volunteers every now and then. This weekend it was Georgie Banks. They had been introduced because of Devon and there had also been some news about when she had shown up in town. However, Brooks was not necessarily kept up on news about celebrities, but either way, anyone willing to get down and dirty with ranch work was fine with him. Brooks was just coming back into the barn, two horses walking behind him and his dogs sprinting up the aisle of the barn in front of him. As Georgie approached Brooks turned, glancing at one of the stalls. “Awesome work,” he said with a smile, “Thanks for coming out and helping.” There wasn’t too much left to do at the moment as they had already fed the animals and the horses had been turned out. By this point, there was usually a lull in the day where they could go up to the main house and whip up food or go out for a ride. “This is usually the time where we can relax,” he said then, “Sooo... We can either take a lunch break up in the house or...” He rose his brows at her and turned to look at the two horses who were behind him. “We can get on and walk these two down to the pond and take lunch there, up to you.” 

[bwildxr]

romanmcnulty‌:

Location: Brook’s ranch With: @bwildxr​

“When you said you were buying a horse, I thought you were pulling my leg, but no you… went and did it. I really should never underestimate your schemes.” A laugh fell from the man as he allowed the animal to inspect him before gently placing the hand on its muzzle, petting it slowly. “He been fitting in alright up here so far? I know you like your isolation and all, but it can get pretty quiet. I know I’d go stir crazy.”

A majority of the people that knew Brooks had been aware of his idea of buying a horse and it was fair to assume that maybe he wouldn’t actually do it; however, here he was. Proudly standing next to his new trusted steed, Red. There were a few other horses roaming around the ranch as well along with some other farm friends. “Hey! I told everyone I was going to. None of y’all thought I’d actually pull the trigger, though,” Brooks responded with a laugh. He patted the animal’s neck and watched as Red’s ears swung forward showing that he was paying attention to the attention that Roman was giving him. “He’s pretty good,” Brooks said with a shrug. “The isolation can be nice, I mean, the herd here is pretty manageable. We got two people working here full time to take care of the animals and the grounds so it’s not too isolated.” Brooks looked out across part of the property, watching as one of the ranch hands exited the barn. “It’s a nice close vacation from town at least,” Brooks explained. “I don’t know about you but sometimes town is... too much after work.” 

[bwildxr]

outgoing 📲 mel

Melody: I think I'll leave the wrangling of mustangs to you, bud

Melody: When works best for you? I can make us a nice meal, like old times

Melody: Only a little more wrinkly 😂

Brooks: But why!! I'm sure you'd be a pretty good mustang wrangler

Brooks: Awww, like old times

Brooks: We can reminisce

[bwildxr]

outgoing 📲 quinn

QUINN: drowning myself in pizza and whiskey

QUINN: im losing my mind

QUINN: only if you promise to get me outta the damn four walls of my house

Brooks: As much as I like a nice whiskey and pizza that sounds like a gross combo, honestly

Brooks: Come out and visit me at the barn!!

Brooks: Fresh air, a cow, ponies

[bwildxr]

outgoing 📲 quinn

Brooks: Hey Q

Brooks: What have you been up to lately aaaand do you wanna hang out this weekend?

[bwildxr]

outgoing 📲 dev

Dev: Yeah it's been amazing, and a much better job than the bookstore.

Dev: Well you gotta be here for me to kiss you, duh. SO get ur ass HOME. There's dudes out here thinking they're my bff

Dev: I'm sure she'd love to hear from you but yeah she's got a lot of recovery ahead of her. Just want to be there for her best I can, yanno? She and I wrote letters the entire time I was locked up, she means a lot to me

Dev: You mean besides looking like a goddess? She's been working hard too. She's such a good director and supervisor, she runs a tight ship.

Dev: Dude that'd be fucking amazing. Can we do that ASAP? I'll talk to my PO about it

Dev: oh god i'd love to see that

Brooks: Well I know nows not the time but she just better know that I get you every other Friday for date night 😘

Brooks: I'm not surprised, you know how she is.

Brooks: For sure talk to your PO I think it would be fun actually

Brooks: A little R&R that's really more like work but it's outside and feels way too rewarding. Let me know if I gotta send anything so you PO can have a look or come out or something

[bwildxr]

outgoing 📲 mel

Melody: Not your fault! I should have asked when you'd be back

Melody: I want to meet him ASAP!

Melody: I don't know about that...

Melody: You gonna teach me how to ride again? 😂 It's probably been a good 20 years at least since I've been on a horse!

Brooks: Hey hey hey

Brooks: I was lucky enough to get a few old guys and gals on loan for beginners sooo no worries

Brooks: I won't make you wrestle down a mustang

Brooks: YET

[bwildxr]

outgoing 📲 mel

Mel: I wanted to surprise you when you got back, but I had no idea when that was going to be!

Mel: Family are the people who are best able to get on your nerves, but you love them so you let them.

Mel: This was the first Christmas without Beau, so I probably didn't have as much Christmas spirit as I could have, but we're powering through.

Mel: I think Dev mentioned you got a horse? What's their name and when do I get to meet them?

Brooks: Sorrrryyyyy

Brooks: I know and I'm sorry I wasn't around too much here for Christmas, you know you're always welcome over ❤️❤️❤️

Brooks: And yeah, I did! His name is Red because he's red. Just let me know when you wanna meet my beautiful son and we can go out!!

Brooks: I could even find a horse for you to ride 👀👀

[bwildxr]

outgoing 📲 dev

Dev: Yeah man she's been back for a little while now, I'm helping her renovate the guest house. you got a lot to catch up on lol

Dev: Not everyone but probably too many people. Saved a nice big one for you though 😘

Dev: Uh well there's no easy way to say it but her husband is dead. Apparently he was abusive as fuck. He died while he was attacking her. It's..crazy shit man. Crazy crazy shit.

Dev: Yeah and not to mention Kalani seems to be fixated on fucking up my life.

Dev: Oh??? That's good though man, I'm glad you got some time away, missed you though. Think Jax and Reags did too.

Brooks: Damn updating the guest house?? that's awesome

Brooks: Thank you 👀 I was about to say.... yall out here kissing everyone but me? I was hurt for a sec

Brooks: That's fucking crazy, man. Holy shit. Poor Anna. I feel like a jackass for not reaching out to her recently. Maybe I'll be a good friend and reach out like good friends do.

Brooks: What is she doing now besides being a sneaky little sneaky snake

Brooks: We'll have to all get together soon forreal. Come out to the ranch and have a little weekend vacation type thing

Brooks: We got hella animals to pet and maybe I'll torture Jax and put him up on a horse

[bwildxr]

outgoing 📲 mel

Mel: You're catching up on all the new lingo, I see!

Mel: My holiday season was nice. I got to spend it with my family for the first time in a few years, so it was nice to be surrounded by their warmth.

Mel: How was yours? Did you do anything exciting?

Brooks: I had to spend time with youths so I'm trying I guess

Brooks: That's nice!! Dev told me you're back in town and I'm a little offended I had to learn thru him but it's fine I guess 😔

Brooks: Nothing too exciting, went out and did a little riding n wrangling before and after Christmas

Brooks: My family was giving me my usual aneurysm but it was still nice to actually like be around them after not being around for so long