(Untitled)

[the_prettygirl]

Nexus, have a Brooke Davis.  She takes an appreciative look around the place, studying the designs (and noticing a nice mini-bar in the corner) and finally plopping herself on the couch.  She has no idea how she found herself here, but it's comfortable...in a freaky bizarro universe kind of way.  But don't worry, she knows what you're supposed to

Comments

[discardedheir]

"Bad memories aside, what would be the direct consequences of going back?"

[the_prettygirl]

"In my head? It happening again. In reality? I guess nothing. But imagination pretty much usually kicks reality's ass."

[discardedheir]

"And what is there? Is there any point to going to this city besides proving to yourself that you can after all? I am not criticizing that reasoning, but just to better understand."

[the_prettygirl]

"Well, it's basically where my clothing company really took off. I lived there a few years, and kinda even grew to love the city. I mean, it's New York. Step up from my tiny little home town. Then the thing happened and I started...make excuses to leave, I guess."

[discardedheir]

"Ah. Having lived in New York City for the past 12 years, I am aware that it is certainly...Interesting. But the professional concerns are clearly a valid reason to go if you can. Do you have a close friend or family member who could accompany you, to slightly alleviate the problem of reflecting too much on what happened?"

[the_prettygirl]

"Not...really. Not for long, anyway. They have their own lives. And so not considering Bitch Mother of Doom."

[discardedheir]

There's a flash in Kristoff's eyes at that last phrase, which fades as he tells himself the woman couldn't possibly be referring to the family, it was just a colloquialism.

"For just an initial visit, perhaps? A day or two? Many things are easier if one is not facing them alone."

[the_prettygirl]

If Brooke was paying attention, and if the poor thing knew what "colloquialism" meant, she would surely assure Kristoff that it was nothing but one of many endearing terms for her mother.

"That might help--with getting my ass there, anyway," she says, instead. "I wish I could say I wouldn't be looking over my shoulder everyday, but...I guess I'm not that brave."

[discardedheir]

He'd be glad of it, because the Mother of Doom was a tragic heroine and should not be trash-talked. Kristoff's sensitive like that. But fortunately, he did manage the conclusion on his own.

"It can hardly qualify as cowardice if you go anyway," Kristoff observes. "But where are my manners?" He nods politely. "Kristoff Vernard." Von Doom.

[the_prettygirl]

Brooke loves tragic heroines, especially ones with cool names, so she'd be glad to have avoided the offense.

"Oh! Like a points for trying kind of thing? I could get behind that! Oh, and hello advice-giving guy, I could probably show some appreciation with a name. I'm Brooke Davis. It's nice to meet you."

[discardedheir]

"A pleasure to meet you. Yes, I have always thought it best to try, myself."

[the_prettygirl]

"Even though trying is really annoying sometimes? Me too. But I always knew it had to be done sometime."

[discardedheir]

"Annoying, Miss Davis, is certainly one way of putting it." Another small smile. "How long has it been since you have been to New York, if I may ask?"

[the_prettygirl]

"Well, I was trying to keep it PG. I'm sure there are plenty of ways to put it. And it's been..." She hasn't really thought about it. "I think it's been a year," she decides. "I went home for a while, then back to New York for like, a month, then to Paris."

And Paris is nice. Paris is not scary. Mostly.

[discardedheir]

"I see. Certainly a reasonable choice in the fashion industry. And Paris is a lovely city."

And he can't help it. The talk of going back to a place, of obsessing over a place, his mind can't stay away... "I do not suppose you have ever been to the Balkans?"

[the_prettygirl]

"Gorgeous," she agrees with a nod. Despite questioning a lot of her mother's judgment, morality, and parenting strategies, she definitely understood why Paris was her favorite city. Brooke could see herself going back there. One day.

"Nope, don't think so. I didn't have time to explore, much. One day I'll be able to. I take it it's a favorite of yours?"