Brooks sits silently while Niko Vance drives them to Shawn Spears' house. He obligingly gets out once Niko pulls to a stop, heading to the back and holding the door for him. He watches as Shawn steps out, offering him a small smile before tapping the top of the car. "Thank you, Niko," he says. "See you next week."
"Uh, wait," Brooks says, his eyes widening as Shawn slams the door shut behind him and Niko prepares to drive off. "I need a ride home. Shawn-"
"No," Shawn says. "Come with me, Brooksie."
Floored, Brooks nods blankly and follows him up the walk path to the front door. Shawn seems unbothered by everything as he unlocks the door, but Brooks can do nothing to hide the slight trembles going through his hands as he walks inside. It's dark inside, quiet, but that changes, slightly, as Shawn flicks the switch near the door and a soft, golden glow fills the room. "Oh," he breathes, taking in the Christmas tree in the corner, lights twinkling peacefully. "That's beautiful."
Shawn smiles and turns to look at him, watching the light reflecting off of Brooks' hair, his face. "I agree. Come on," he says. "Let's sit for a little bit."
"Shawn," Brooks says awkwardly. "I don't understand why I'm here."
Shawn doesn't respond immediately, walking into the living with the air of someone who expects to be followed. Which happens, Brooks standing awkwardly in the doorway until Shawn sits down in a leather chair quirks an eyebrow at him. "Sit down, Brooksie," he says, waving a hand at the couch. "Anywhere you prefer. I'd like you to feel comfortable in my home."
Brooks exhales and shuffles hesitantly over to the couch, sitting across from Shawn.
"I'm aware you have questions," Shawn tells him. "There's been an... unease about you for the last couple of weeks. I wanted to talk in private to you about it. Is there something you need?"
Brooks exhales, rubbing his hands together briskly. "It..." he says, faltering. "it's just..." He closes his eyes, digging his knuckles into the bridge of his nose. "A year ago I was comfortable, I thought things were ok with Fallon and Briggs. And then they told me they wanted to go their own way and compete solo, and nothing was ever the same again. They left me behind, and I didn't know where to turn. Then you came and, well, you rescued me," he says quietly. "But now you have Niko, and you're scouting the women roster, and I see it all happening again. I... I'll be cast out, left in the cold again, and... and then what am I supposed to do?"
Shawn stares at him, an unreadable look in his eye. "Brooks," he says. "Please look at me."
Brooks isn't sure he's going to like what he sees when he does, but he can't deny Shawn anything, so he looks up, feeling bare, utterly vulnerable as he sees how Shawn is examining him.
"Yes," he says. "I see promise in Niko. And I think having a woman in our group would make us well-rounded, with the ability to find a position of strength in every area of this business. But you were the first to see me, to give me your trust. To believe in me. That is the kind of thing I would never forget, no matter how many people may intrigue me. I have told you before, and I will tell you again, Brooksie. Those so-called friends of you didn't see you as I do, they failed themselves as much as they've failed you. I will never follow their faulty logic, you don't have to worry about such things while you're with me."
Brooks exhales. Nods. "I'm sorry."
"For?"
"Doubting this," Brooks says. "Doubting you. I know you're not Briggs or Fallon, it's just... this time of year makes me reflect. Just reminds me of how that moment felt. I know you have my best interests at heart, even if you find reasons to help others the same as you've helped me."
Shawn nods, getting to his feet. "Brooksie," he says, motioning to the man to stand as well. Once they're eye to eye, he smiles slightly. "This time of year of course is difficult for you, I don't judge you for that. Healing takes time, and I suggest you offer yourself as much grace as I do. But as long as I have a say in things, you will never have to worry about my loyalty, Niko's loyalty. We will always be there for you. As will anyone else I decide should join us."
"Thank you," Brooks whispers. He checks the clock. "But it is getting late, and I should... find a way to get home."
Shawn stares at him. "I have a better idea," he says, reaching out to Brooks with his free hand. "I requested Niko leave you here with me because I knew this week would be difficult for you. If you'd rather not stay, I can get you transportation home."
Brooks stares at him, hands trembling again. "I..." He falters. "Yes, I'd like to stay," he says, overwhelmed by a sudden, desperate need to not be alone. To stay here with Shawn, the only man who's made him feel confident, safe, since December 26th, 2023.
Shawn's face softens into a smile as he rests a hand on Brooks' shoulder, squeezing gently. "Fantastic."