Flightless, Not Hopeless

Hello. H-...have you seen- oh, nevermind! I see her now. I'm sorry to interrupt you. Have a good day! Oh, wait! Another thing. Here! Have a flyer. Next week is Piping Plover week. Er, no. It's not a real thing. I made it up. But- no! Wait. Please...don't...

[heavyheartedcarson]

"Hey Brooke, Can I ask you a HUGE favor? Can you bring a canvas and those rings mom gave us a while ago? Gigi and Pepe's rings? And meet me at the town hall? I'll explain later..." She trailed off realizing in that moment how crazy her twin was going to think her.

"Hey Bee-" Brooke paused, listening to her sister list off very specific instructions. "Uh…?" She blinked, slowly standing up from where she sat on the couch, thus making the dogs move too. Finally it clicked. Gigi and Pepe’s rings. Town hall? Canvas? "Wait what?!" she barked with a chocking cough, hitting her chest shortly after. "Bythesecondstar, Bria what are you getting me involved in?" Though she sounded unamused and irritated, she was actually very amused and was quickly hopping around to get her keys and the rings from the jewelry box. 

[paintspeckledcarson]

"They’re on the desk near the door of the studio." She kept them there so she could grab them when she decided to paint in the park or where ever suited her fancy at any particular moment. She was about to ask if Brooke was okay at that thump she heard. "Yes! Him, he’s so sweet, Brooke. I can’t wait for you to meet him." She laughed. "I don’t know I haven’t… asked yet." Bria looked up as Nick walked over. "I am but… I understand why they did it so soon… it’s sort of amazing… you just know.” She gently squeezed Nick’s hand. “So - meet us there? Soon!… please”

[heavyheartedcarson]

Brooke leaned against the wall and picked the crutch back up, hopping faster to get to the paints and canvas. She smiled as she listened to Bria. Bria was a generally happy person, but this was a new level. He really made her happy, and truly that's all the twin wanted for her sister. It seemed more real now that it happened to Bria. It always sounded like a tale coming from Gigi. Someone came to mind when Bria said you'd just know, but she shook it from her mind, telling her stomach and the butterflies to die down. This was Bria's moment, not a time to think about a friend, a dance partner. "I will! I have the paints and canvas. Just need to get the rings. I'll be there in fifteen." 

[heavyheartedcarson]

"Hey Brooke, Can I ask you a HUGE favor? Can you bring a canvas and those rings mom gave us a while ago? Gigi and Pepe's rings? And meet me at the town hall? I'll explain later..." She trailed off realizing in that moment how crazy her twin was going to think her.

"Hey Bee-" Brooke paused, listening to her sister list off very specific instructions. "Uh…?" She blinked, slowly standing up from where she sat on the couch, thus making the dogs move too. Finally it clicked. Gigi and Pepe’s rings. Town hall? Canvas? "Wait what?!" she barked with a chocking cough, hitting her chest shortly after. "Bythesecondstar, Bria what are you getting me involved in?" Though she sounded unamused and irritated, she was actually very amused and was quickly hopping around to get her keys and the rings from the jewelry box. 

[paintspeckledcarson]

Bria breathed slowly listening to her sister. “My portable paints too, you know where they are right?” She added quickly, Nick didn’t know about that bit but it was something she’d wanted to do for her wedding. The only thing she’d really decided on. “I- okay I can’t wait to tell you… I might… be getting married pleased don’t freak out, it was sort of… spontaneous. Do you remember Nick? Well- the guy that’s at all the galleries? Well he was there today… and we got talking, and then… we sort of kissed. And we might… have sort of agreed to get married? I know we just met and I know it’s sudden but it feels… right… weirdly… perfectly… right.”

[heavyheartedcarson]

"Uh...yeah. Yeah, of course I do." She sounded as if she took a pause. I think. Limping on one crutch, she headed for Bria's studio and where the supplies were kept. She almost made it half way when she dropped the crutch, shocked at what she just heard. Brooke stared at the wall decorated with pictures from their youth, jaw hanging just above the ground. "Wait...Nick? Oh! Wait...wait...WAIT. THE GUY THAT BUYS ALL OF YOUR LANDSCAPES? WAIT?! Really? BUt.. but what does he do with all the paintings first off. And what do you mean you just met and you- you're..." A smile slowly grew on her lips. "You are just as bad as Pepe!"

[heavyheartedcarson]

"Hey Brooke, Can I ask you a HUGE favor? Can you bring a canvas and those rings mom gave us a while ago? Gigi and Pepe's rings? And meet me at the town hall? I'll explain later..." She trailed off realizing in that moment how crazy her twin was going to think her.

"Hey Bee-" Brooke paused, listening to her sister list off very specific instructions. "Uh…?" She blinked, slowly standing up from where she sat on the couch, thus making the dogs move too. Finally it clicked. Gigi and Pepe’s rings. Town hall? Canvas? "Wait what?!" she barked with a chocking cough, hitting her chest shortly after. "Bythesecondstar, Bria what are you getting me involved in?" Though she sounded unamused and irritated, she was actually very amused and was quickly hopping around to get her keys and the rings from the jewelry box. 

[travisfritzsimmons]

A Drink? || WTSC Grand Ball || Brooke and Travis

[travisfritzsimmons]

"I’m sure I could, but I think it’d be much more fun with a guide to get lost with." If she would get them lost, he probably would get himself equally turned around, at least for a bit. He could read maps well enough, but compasses and he had never gotten along, oddly enough. "It’d like that a lot. An adventure with a friend, that’ll be a story to tell." Travis didn’t have many friends. Any, actually. It’d be a first, and a nice one at that. Brooke made him smile, that was what friends were for, right? "If I’m camping, I end up out past then. But bug nets work pretty well, if you’re sleeping out in the woods." Travis hadn’t been one for tents, really, always preferring to be able to see the sky and stars. They made him feel free, and at the end of the day, that was his favorite state of being. Free as the wind.

[heavyheartedcarson]

She could only laugh, unable to form a comment at first. "Exactly," she agreed with a soft smile. Friend, she reminded herself. This was no time for the writer in her to find a whimsical fairytale ending in this. Despite, well, the very modern fairytale meeting. Oh, get over it. You're not going to write about this. Mermaids were more her thing anyway. Did this happen to Bria? Meeting someone and finding it nearly impossible to get their face out of her head? The small quirks that the holder didn't realize they possessed? "I'm not a big fan of bug nets. They make me feel...trapped. Even though I'm a human- but it's just weird. Even though tents are more constrictive. Have you ever camped in a cave?" She hadn't had the chance, yet. There were caves deep enough into the woods but still close to home, but all were inhabited by bats in winter months. It wouldn't be fair of her to invade their home.

[travisfritzsimmons]

Baby, It's Cold Outside || Brooke and Travis

[travisfritzsimmons]

"First accident?" he couldn’t help but furrow his brow when she brought that up, staying beside her as she walked, in case she fell. A part of him didn’t want to know, not wanting to think about Brooke being hurt, but another needed her to tell him, as if the knowledge would give him some sort of ability to keep it from happening again. He took a few steps ahead to open the door for her once they got there, keeping his eyes on her. "My coat?" he realized, shrugging slightly as she passed him, "Inside. I was having a cup of coffee when I saw you fall." That was why he’d been able to get to her so quickly. He was only a bit further than the other side of a door. "That," he gestured to a table with a cup of coffee on it, jacket hung over the back of a chair, "Is my table. And there’s room for one more, since you’re joining me." That made him grin.

[heavyheartedcarson]

"Oh..." she blushed a little, "I slipped scaling a ditch, rolled my ankle and landed wrong on my leg. Happened a few years ago, but still affects me to this day." She gestured to her casted leg. "Weak ankle," she smiled shyly, admitting it with a slight laugh under her breath. Brooke kept hobbling along and carefully entered the cafe, eyes on the lip on the floor to stop any drafts, the door stoppers so the doors stayed in place. Small things that those on crutches needed to be wary of. Oh great, he saw the whole thing. She couldn't fight the smile that grew on her lips. It was rare to meet someone that didn't even laugh about her stupid luck. She wasn't on the pavement for more than twenty seconds before he lifted her up. All she could manage was smiling to him, "great. I'll just put my coat down, grab some tea, and join you then."

[travisfritzsimmons]

Baby, It's Cold Outside || Brooke and Travis

[travisfritzsimmons]

"That’s good," he nodded slightly, "I’m glad she’s okay." But it was most just relief that Brooke was safe, and that no one who’s pain would personally affect her got hurt. It was a relief. He didn’t have many people in town who he cared about, so the earthquake hadn’t been as terrifying for him as it had been to some. But for some reason, he found Brooke being one of the people he had been concerned over.The smile on his features softened slightly, becoming almost shy when she returned the sentiment. Just like he didn’t care for most people, the vast majority weren’t bothered, one way or another, with him. It was nice to hear that the person he was worried about at least slightly cared that he was fine. "Good, get better," he grinned at her, the smile crooked. But it centered and even out when she seemed excited about his offer, causing him to perk up, just a bit, as well, "Shall we, then?" Travis would have offered her his arm, but with the crutches that made it kind of hard, "Do you need help, or are you going to be okay, Brooke?" He’d get the door, of course.

[heavyheartedcarson]

"Me too." It would have made the dream turned nightmare even worse. One minute, or ten minutes prior, she was dancing and having a wonderful time with him. In the span of ten minutes the mood flipped and everything came crashing down around her, and every citizen there at the ball. She kept a small smile, "I will. You have my word. Plus I'm not a fan of being on these things. I spent long enough on them with the first accident." She slowly started for the cafe, thinking it was best to get inside before either of them caught cold. Then she realized he wasn't wearing a coat. "I'm going to be okay. No worries. But... where's your coat? Do you live near here and thought you'd brave the chill?" No, that couldn't be right. He told her he lived near the sanctuary. That wasn't for another fourth to half of a mile. Where was his coat?

[travisfritzsimmons]

A Drink? || WTSC Grand Ball || Brooke and Travis

[travisfritzsimmons]

"I’m glad I didn’t, too," Travis’ arm just barely tightened around her waist as she spoke the words. She was right, he wouldn’t have let himself stay idle long. But he was thrilled that the solution to being stagnant was to be dancing with Brooke. She was different, but in the best way, the most interesting, pleasant to be around girl that he’d met in a long time. Though granted, perhaps he hadn’t been looking in the right places. But she was the first person in a while who he really wanted to be friends with. That’d he’d regret if it didn’t end up that way. "Doesn’t mean I won’t get lost without a guide." There was always the possibility that it could happen. But chances were that he could find his way from anywhere in the woods to town and back again, having explored them since he was a buy. "And company makes hiking more interesting. I’m willing to bet you can point out wildlife I’ve never noticed before, for one." Wildlife wasn’t of the upmost interest to him, most of the time, but it’d give him a chance to get to know her better. "I’ll stay indoors, then. Bugs like biting me, for some reason."

[heavyheartedcarson]

He was glad too. Her heart swelled at hearing him say that. She shook the feeling almost immediately. Still, she could be excited that they could be friends. This wasn't awkward, but nice. It was a good atmosphere to become friends. Friends, she reminded herself, that's what she really cared about. What she was actually good at. "I bet you could manage to find it. A map and compass are some of your best friends in the woods. Or they are for me. But, I'll be happy to be your guide. Sorry in advance if I end up getting us lost." She laughed a little. "That's... probably true. I like to bird watch and can show you the more subtle signs of what animals are around you. Bears are actually much more afraid of us than we are of them." She internally was relieved that her slip up awkwardness didn't start silence. "That's smart. I avoid staying out past eight, or wear long sleeves if I'm still at the sanctuary."

[travisfritzsimmons]

Baby, It's Cold Outside || Brooke and Travis

[travisfritzsimmons]

A frown marred his features when she told him what happened, making him wish he hadn’t had to check on Candi and leave her that night. “Well, was your sister okay, at least?” Travis looked over her, making sure she was leaned against the wall, before he reluctantly moved his arm away from her, going to pick up her crutches like she’d asked. Carefully, he held them out to her, fully ready to catch Brooke if she tried to fall again. She’d seemed graceful dancing, but the fact that she was on crutches didn’t make her any less in his eyes. All it did was make him protective, making him alert and completely focused on her, so there’d be someone around to catch her if she fell. “I’m just glad you’re okay,” he smiled softly, relief evident in his voice, “You’re not allowed to get hurt, y’know, you told me you’d show me all the campsites so I know where to go this summer.” Travis stood for a moment, just looking at her, before he remembered where they were. “Do you drink coffee, Brooke?” he asked suddenly, brow quirking as he looked at her, “My treat? I’d like to maybe get to know you better, if that’s okay.”

[heavyheartedcarson]

"She was. Or...well, she wasn't in a lot of pain. I mean..." She closed her eyes and took a breath. "What I mean is, she was okay. I was relieved." She grabbed the crutches one at a time and adjusted herself on them now that she wasn't on a patch of ice. "Thank you," she smiled almost shyly. There were at least ten different scenarios going through her head of how they could have ran into each other again. But at least she got to see him again. That was a positive. A great dance partner, the best second to Treven. But that was her brother. "Thanks...again... I'm glad you're okay." her smile faltered but relaxed when she caught sight of his. She managed a laugh and shook her head. "There's still a good five months ahead of us. Don't worry. I don't plan on getting into any trouble." She reached up and tugged her hat back down over the back of her neck, though it was warm enough without the layer. "I do!" she perked up, a little too much. "It's...perfectly okay," she paused only to breathe. "I was actually thinking about getting some tea. The vanilla chai here is the best." Then she remembered his offer and smiled softly, "thank you."

[travisfritzsimmons]

A Drink? || WTSC Grand Ball || Brooke and Travis

[travisfritzsimmons]

"Thank you kindly," he grinned at her, "Who knows what I’d do if you hadn’t rescued me." Her smile was contagious, making his appear, and stay stuck on his face. Usually his grins came and went, there when he needed to charm, but tonight it seemed as if it were more effort to stop smiling than to start. "I have, though not for as long," he nodded slightly, smiling, "but how about instead of giving me a map, you show me yourself." She made him smile. Travis found himself wanting an excuse to see her again, in the future, and if having her take him to campsites was one, then he was in luck. Two for one. "I generally stick by the rivers. There’re fewer insects if I don’t camp by still water." One thing that he didn’t mention was that he knew the outdoors better than most. When one lived on the street, the forest started seeming nicer than cement and benches. So he’d learned.

[heavyheartedcarson]

It was nice to see her company this happy. He seemed like the kind of person that needed to smile more often, or realize what he should smile about. Maybe she wasn't reading him that well. "Oh...well..." she blushed softly. "You definitely would have found something to do. But I'm...glad you didn't." And with that, her confidence flew out the window. This was dangerous territory. The curiosity/interest could not be reciprocated and she could look like a fool. "I, uh..." she stuttered before swallowing the nerves and smiling happily. "Sure. M-most of them are within twenty minutes of a hiking path or a road." He took her by surprise with that. But it could mean a number of things. Or well, it could mean the exact opposite that she was thinking. He couldn't be flirting with her. No one flirted with her. Ever. And it was wise on their part really. "That's smart and a wise trick learned by the experienced." She laughed a little. "Also a good move to just avoid all camping in the last two weeks of May. The flies are fierce." Why did I say that?

[travisfritzsimmons]

A Drink? || WTSC Grand Ball || Brooke and Travis

[travisfritzsimmons]

"Embarrassing… not exactly," he offered a charming half smile, half hoping she’d drop the topic. Women he’d slept with and his attempts to get away from them once they clung to him, though they were great stories, were not the things he wanted to tell the beautiful girl he was dancing with tonight. It wasn’t that she was the next one, that wasn’t anywhere in his plan, but she almost seemed like a friend and… he didn’t want her to think of him as a terrible human being, or anything else. A smile appeared on his lips when she spun, and for a moment he lost his train of thought watching her. But her question reminded him, and he thought for a moment, before sighing, "I guess I can tell you one story. But only because if I’m not fun enough, you’ll throw me back to the wall.” He bit his lip for a moment, “Alright, so a few summers ago I decided I was sick of town. I don’t have the money to leave, though, so I had to come up with a plan B. So I bought a hammock and a tarp, and decided that we had enough woods for camping to be an option. I don’t think I came back to town for two, three weeks. Adventuresome enough for you, Brooke?”

[heavyheartedcarson]

A smile naturally curled up on her face as he flashed a charming one to her. She was always a lost cause for a good smile. A strong jaw... square shoulders...wait, what? Brooke needed to remove herself from the situation or become less involved. It was a bad habit to open up to anyone that would say hello back and act friendly, politely. More than that, he seemed to enjoy being outside, cared about the environment, and wasn't in league with the greed centered business men of town. Maybe there was goodness in Mr. Gold that she just couldn't see. But there was something uneasy, unsettling about the owner of the pawn shop. She smiled, barely stepping closer but keeping a respectable distance from Travis. "It's a start," she smiled a little, feeling brave enough to be a bit playful. She shook her head, "no, it's plenty adventuresome. Plus, it would be rude to throw you back to the wall. It's lonely as a wallflower." And you're too much fun to be one. She mentally added as she remembered the handful of times she blended into the background better than she stood out. "Have you gone camping since then? There are a few good spots I can mark on a map for you if you feel like adventuring when the weather warms up. Though, one tip, steer clear of the swamps and vernal pools. Those are the worst to camp by."

[travisfritzsimmons]

Baby, It's Cold Outside || Brooke and Travis

[travisfritzsimmons]

Very, very carefully, he put her down on the ground, moving one arm off her, but staying right beside her, making sure to support her weight. He didn’t like the idea of Brooke being hurt in any way, and having her fall over again wasn’t okay. “What happened?” he asked, concern apparent in his voice. The thought of Brooke being hurt, so soon after he’d been dancing with her… it didn’t sit right, making him feel like crap, though there wasn’t anything he could have done about it. He hadn’t been anywhere near her during the earthquake, they hadn’t been dancing all night. And it would have been weird if they were, considering they’d only met that day. Her injury bothered him more than it should have, but he didn’t question it. Right now he just wanted to make sure that she didn’t get injured worse. “Here,” he supported as much of her weight as he could with one arm, leading her towards the nearest building, to give her something to lean against while he went to get her crutches from the sidewalk, “Are you sure you’re alright, Brooke?”

[heavyheartedcarson]

It was actually a good thing that she couldn't really feel her ankle. How many more accidents until they couldn't 'fix' it again? Could there be a possibility of her getting a mechanical ankle and foot? A shiver ran down her neck and spine. That was terrifying to think about. "During the earthquake?" She flinched a little, using him as something to lean on as he helped her. "I was running to find my sister. My ankle felt the shake before it registered in my head. When everything started to crumble, I stupidly tried to run. My foot caught on the short train of dress and I fell. But then..." she trailed off, taking a deep breath and swallowing her pride. "My foot twisted in the material and part of the ceiling fell on my leg. I twisted...the wrong way..." She winced. There was no way he'd think of her the same way, not the same graceful and well put together woman he danced with that night. She hobbled to the nearest building and leaned against it. "Pride took the fall worse than my leg," she managed a small laugh. "I'm okay."

[heavyheartedcarson]

Headcanon: The Trusted

Brooke knows she's lucky to have the friends that she has today. All supportive or having best intentions in their hearts. There was always someone willing to hold her and pet her hair as she let loose on all the small things that have been bottled up for the past few months. While she knew she could go to almost anyone, whenever she felt vulnerable, it was Bria she sought out. 

It was no offense to anyone, Bria knew the best how to handle Brooke's vent sessions or when to just hold her in the silence. There is no greater comfort than having your sister be your best friend. She doesn't know what force is out there, but believes whatever it is that they gave them the bond for a reason. They fight, but it is never long before they're laughing at each other and at themselves. 

After Bria, Brooke equally trusts in Prilla and Treven. Both great and strong friendships since as long as Brooke can remember. They have hugs that make the darkest days a little sunny and have the magic touch to make her smile through trials. If ever Bria isn't reachable, Brooke runs to these wonderful people when she can't be brave for others. 

She wouldn't be ashamed to vent real talk to any of her friends - Chels, Bobble, Clank, Ro, Dess - but there are people that she would prefer seeing her weakness. After all, she's only human.

Word Count: 242

[travisfritzsimmons]

Baby, It's Cold Outside || Brooke and Travis

[travisfritzsimmons]

Travis had contented himself to just watch the clouds roll by on the grey day, but something tore him out of his reveries. Brooke, the girl he’d danced with at the ball, the one he hadn’t seen since before the earthquake, was walking by. He wouldn’t interfere, knowing that for most people meeting him once was all they wanted, but when he saw that she was on crutches and in a brace, shortly before he saw her fall, he stood, abandoning his pastry and coffee for the time being, though he left his coat on the seat, a sign that it was still his table, and that he was coming back. A shiver ran down his spine as he rushed out the door, chilled to the bone by the cold Maine climate, but he kept going, walking over to the fallen girl, not sure if she’d seen him or not, as he was approaching from behind. He wrapped an arm around her waist, gently picking her up so her feet were just above the ground, “You should sit down, Brooke. Can you walk in or…? Are you hurt?”

[heavyheartedcarson]

Brooke tensed up even more as she was picked up effortlessly, feet dangling above the ground. Her heart hammered in her chest as panic started to sink in. "Please, let me-" she paused, some how recognizing the voice and turned her head. "Travis..." she almost whispered his name, surprised to see him, and feeling a little embarrassed that they were meeting again with her clumsiness in the way. "I, um, y-yeah. I just need the crutches. No, I'm not hurt. Well, nothing new at least. I hurt my leg in the earthquake and now I have to hobble along-" He doesn't need to know that. "Uh, can you just... pass me the crutches?" She bit her lip, turning her head and looking down to the iced pavement and her crutches. The paint decorated metal contraptions that she had since her first accident.

[travisfritzsimmons]

A Drink? || WTSC Grand Ball || Brooke and Travis

[travisfritzsimmons]

"I live right around there," he nodded slightly. His apartment building was on that block, and despite avoiding staying there, whenever possible, he did know exactly where that was. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips when she grinned, and he brushed some hair out of his face, "I’ll stop in when I get the chance."

"I’m lots of fun," he pouted back at Brooke, nudging her softly, "I just like a bit of mystery, too. Keeps my audience interested," There wasn’t much interesting about him other than the mystery, and his ability to pleasure a woman. And he did want to keep Brooke’s interested, she’d certainly captured his. And the latter was for when he wanted something. He didn’t, with Brooke, just someone to dance with. And it seemed he was getting that. "It’s better than me, I only have drunk stories, and none of them are about me," he pointed out, much preferring to hear hers than talk about idiots at a bar. Travis nodded when she asked if she was ready, moving fluidly, without much thought, and following her lead as to how they were going to dance. Her choice fit the song perfectly.

[heavyheartedcarson]

"Great," Brooke smiled excitedly. More exposure! being the first thing going through her head. The possibility of roping another person in to help with the labor being the second. It wasn't like the three of them were weak, but a fourth set of strong hands would be appreciated. 

A small smile graced her smile as Travis followed her lead, proving to be a better dance partner than she expected. Her heart fluttered for a brief moment before she could get it under control. It was the lack of air getting to her lungs, she told herself. There was no reason to get worked up over a dance. Or two. "Oh, come on," she pushed lightly. "Everyone has adventures, doesn't have to be anything embarrassing. Those are some of the best to reflect on though." She spun out, then back in, again fluidly. "Not a single story for the person that saved you from standing against the wall all night?" It seemed impossible for someone, anyone, not to have at least a couple of interesting stories. Fond memories? Nothing? Living with Prilla and Bria granted her a new story or two every week. "Prove to me that you're fun."

[techmasterchels]

At your Service || Chels & Brooke

[techmasterchels]

"Seems like fun to me. You guys always get along." She giggled. She loved all of them. Brooke, Bria, Prilla. All of the others too. She was friends with them, had been for a while. They were all eccentric, but honestly that was why she thought they were friends. She was… unique to say it simply. "Oh, I had to order it online… but it was kind of expensive. There are cheaper ones for $30. But I don’t trust them. I want to make sure it’s quality. So mine was $50. But it’s totally worth it if it keeps me from breaking or drowning a phone, you know?" She giggled, she cared for her phone but accidents happened. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d accidentally broken a phone a month after getting a brand new one. It was one reason she always backed everything up and kept at least one old phone on hand. "I can’t see why it wouldn’t work in salt water. I haven’t really tested that one."

[heavyheartedcarson]

"Definitely." Brooke looked at nicely protected phone and felt a ping of jealousy. She didn't want to think of the state of her current phone. Maybe... maybe she should totally break this one, get the insurance, and get a new one. Then have a thick protective case on the new one. That didn't sound half bad. After all, she was known to have bad experiences with keeping a phone for more than ten months. She smiled a bit to Chels and laughed. "I'll let you know what happens. Do you think Amazon would be a good place to go through?" She might as well get one for Bria. They both were hard on their phones, and it showed. Whenever teased, she simply reminded people that the door was always open and if she wasn't home, they knew where to find her. Flight 'n' Furry.

[dontflockwithbeck]

Misplaced || Grand Ball || Beck and Brooke

[dontflockwithbeck]

"Ugh, I wish I could but I spent too much on this stupid dress to go out and play in the mud." She laughed, as much as it sounded like fun. And as much as she wanted to… she wasn’t about to ruin this dress for that when she could change into a pair of jeans that wouldn’t stain or if they did she wouldn’t really care. Most of her clothes were ‘well loved’ and made for working outdoors anyway. Perhaps that was why the more delicate dress she wore now felt so wrong. "You’ve done damn good for 23! We both have." Even if she was only 22 for the time being.

[heavyheartedcarson]

Brooke pouted a little and sipped her punch. Beck could pull off anything. But it was clear her, well, 'true colors' consisted of more earthy tones. Mud. Grass. All stains you'd get if you really spent time outside and enjoyed life. Felt how the Earth breathed. "Yeah, we have!" Brooke agreed with a grin. "Look at the sanctuary. I still remember the day we decided we were going to actually do it. I couldn't believe it-" She paused, listening carefully to the music then seized Beck's wrist, gentle enough but a grip to keep a bird from flying away. "Come on!" She smiled, pulling her old friend towards the dance floor. "Finally something up beat!"

[travisfritzsimmons]

Baby, It's Cold Outside || Brooke and Travis

Travis sat in one of the town’s cafe, at a small, two person table by the window. He was alone, of course, it was too early to be finding a date for the evening. There was a latte sitting in front of him, barely touched, and a small pastry. Most days Travis was ravenous during meal times, swallowing down his food in minutes flat. But today was different. All he did was stare outside, at the gray clouds in the sky, at the frost covered grass across the street. Winter was coming. It was too cold to be outside. He hated it.

[heavyheartedcarson]

No one could make walking with crutches look graceful, and that included Brooke. She refused to sit at home all day and try to learn how to knit or do other sedentary hobbies. She could draw, and write, but she lacked muse and was close to throwing stuff at walls herself. A walk sounded nice, and proved beneficial. Until she came close to her favorite cafe. Forgetting about the large crack in the side walk, the crutch caught and refused to move. Trying to wiggle it free, she lost balance on her good foot. The crutch slipped from her grasp and, much like a damsel, Brooke fell to the sidewalk. She only had enough time to turn and land on her good leg. The woman let out a hiss as the rock scratched her palms. Squeezing her eyes shut, she took a deep breath and slowly rose to her knees. "Bad idea," she murmured.