Some old fics I found -- Brooke/Ty centric ( insight into their past, relationship, etc. )

"You gotta get out of here." This was crazy. Her father had been messing her up her whole life, and she just took it. Now she was old enough to make a change, but she couldn't do that here.

"And go where? I got no where else to go." Running away had occurred to her, many times. But what good was running when you had nowhere to run to? It wouldn't work. She'd never be able to escape her father. That was a realization she'd come to a long time ago and had learned to accept. He, on the other hand, never did things the easy way. Acceptance wasn't in his vocabulary.

"Anywhere's better than here. You can't let him keep hurtin' you."

"I'll be fine." Minus a few cuts and bruises, well, and now a fractured wrist, she was. Everything would heal with time. It always did.

"Have you looked in the mirror lately?"

"Are you saying I look bad?" There was a hint of disbelief in her voice as one slender brow quirked upwards. She knew he was sweet on her. He always had been. The feeling was mutual. But she didn't want to ruin what they had by engaging in a romantic relationship. With her luck, things never would've worked out. The whole 'friends with benefits' thing had been considered, but she didn't want to do that. She didn't want to play games with him. He was the one person she could be completely honest with. And while she never found herself anything other than ordinary, he loved to boast about how 'gorgeous' she was - mainly to get her to blush. She always secretly felt that the real reason he liked her was because she was tough, like him. She could roll with the punches and get back up afterwards. Plus they shared a lot of the same interests. But it was always nice to get a compliment from time to time.

"Never." This is what he hated - that she always turned it back around on herself - made it into something she had done. She couldn't help it her father was a cold-hearted bastard. She hadn't done anything wrong. Besides, how could she even ask him that? He made no secret of his growing affection for her. So maybe he wasn't the romantic type, but he did try when it came to Brooke. She was the only girl that'd ever been able to keep up with him, much less steal his heart. "Come stay with me."

The offer was appreciated, but quickly declined. "That'd be the first place he'd look."

"I can protect you." And he meant it. Although they were still 'kids,' he felt he could hold his own. It was better than the alternative.

"It's not your job to protect me - as much as you seem to think otherwise." He was very good at it: protecting her. But what he didn't get was she'd been protecting him too. Every time she refused to let him come to the house, it was because her father was having another one of his fits. She'd go to his place, to the stables, anywhere, but she didn't let him come over, and she couldn't let him do this. It put him at too big a risk.

"I want to." As determined as she was to turn down his invitation, he was as equally determined to get her to accept. This arrangement could have some serious benefits for both of them.

There was really no subtle way to say no. He would just keep asking and twisting things in his favor until she agreed. At least that's how it usually worked, but she wasn't bending on this. She'd already made up her mind, and there was nothing he could say to change that. When she spoke again, her tone was completely serious. Any hint of playfulness that had been there before was now gone. "He'll hurt you too."

"I don't care."

Typical. She should've seen that one coming. "Well I do."

A heavy sigh fell from his lips. "Then you should run." As much as he didn't want to let her go, it was the only way she could be free.

"He'll just call the cops." And then where would they be? In big trouble. Things had been rough so far, but she knew they could get worse. Not much, but it was possible if they made him angry enough.

"Don't worry about that. I got it covered." So maybe he didn't have a plan just yet, but he was quick on his feet. He wasn't book-smart, but he was extremely clever in every way that mattered.

"I don't want you getting into trouble."

"I'm always in trouble. Besides, you know nobody can hold me." He'd faced some pretty steep battles himself.

"I don't know what I'm gonna do without you. You've been there since . . . as long as I can remember." Growing up, he'd always been around. In a way, he was like her big brother, always looking out for her. They fought sometimes, but they always made up. He could bring a smile to her face and make her laugh regardless of what kind of day she'd been having, and he loved teasing her - but in a good way. They could bat sarcastic remarks back and forth for hours if they had nothing better to do. And yet sometimes they could just sit beside each other in complete silence and enjoy the moment. So maybe their 'relationship' was slightly more complicated than anything between brother and sister. There were romantic feelings on both sides, but nothing they ever seriously pursued. In short, he was her everything.

"There you go, sellin' yourself short again. You're a survivor. You're gonna make it just fine on your own."

"I don't know if I want to." She knew he was trying to put her first, but she also knew he'd gotten used to having her around. His life wasn't exactly an easy one. No one's was when they were alone.

He thought over her remark a long while before responding. "You'll always have me, no matter where you go. But you're meant for something bigger, better." He truly believed that.

"And what about you?"

A small smirk formed. "I'm gonna keep living on the edge."

"And that's enough for you?" If it was, it'd make this whole leaving thing easier. But she had the gut feeling he was only pretending to be cool with it so she'd go. He wasn't your typical white knight, but he was hers - and he'd rescued her time and time again.

"It suits me." There was a brief pause before he spoke again, his tone having grown more serious. He took the tone he used when he was concerned - the one that made her listen. She had a habit of brushing off the way people used and abused her, but he wouldn't tolerate it. And it was high time she didn't tolerate it any more either, especially if the only reason she was staying was because of him. "I want you to go."

A small frown formed although it quickly faded and she shook her head lightly. "Look, if you wanted me out of your life, you could've just said so."

"Are you kidding? This isn't goodbye. It's just temporary."

Nothing was said for the longest as she thought over everything he'd said. This conversation had come up before, but she'd been too young to realistically think she could make it on her own. Now she was fifteen. Her life had caused her to mature quicker than other people her age, so she stood a fighting chance. Deep down, she knew he was right. He always was.

She'd linger on the last part of what he'd said as her eyes lifted to lock with his. "You promise?"

He responded immediately with absolute certainty in his voice. "I promise. Whatever happens, I'll find you, I swear. Now will you go?"

"Do I have a choice?"

"That's my girl."


- - - - -


The day had come for her to leave, and everything had been taken care of. She'd stolen enough money to keep her going for awhile while her dad was passed out, then headed to school. At least that appeared to be where she was going. All her belongings ( or the ones she was taking, anyway ) were stuffed into a faded backpack, her guitar slung over her shoulder. Once getting to the school parking lot, her friend would pick her up in his truck and drive them straight to the train station. The plan was to get her out of there before her father noticed the missing money, which wouldn't take long.

Upon arriving, he so chivalrously paid for her one-way ticket after asking where she was going. At this point, her destination was subject to change, but she didn't want to go too far away - not yet, so she picked a town close-by. If things didn't work out, who knew? She might wind up back home. Which wasn't really the line of thinking she was supposed to have. Time and time again he'd encouraged her to think like an optimist, but sometimes that was difficult, especially now. She was getting away from her father, possibly for good. But she was also losing her best friend, and that part had her wondering if leaving was worth it at all.

He knew Brooke, all too well. He knew she was second-guessing everything, even when they'd come this far. The train was just a few feet away, and she already had her ticket in hand. But she was hesitating. "Don't make me throw you on-board, 'cause you know I will."

She was slowly but surely falling apart. This was it. And despite his promise that they'd see each other again, she was doubtful. However, a small smile formed at the prospect of him tossing her onto the train. The funniest part was she could actually picture it. He would toss her aboard if he had to - not roughly, of course, but he'd get it done. If anyone's will was as strong or stronger than hers, it was his. "I'm going, I'm going. I just - there's a couple of things I need to say first."

"Oh boy. You're not gonna get all sappy on me, are you? 'Cause I don't know if I can handle that."

"Ha, ha. Very funny." Her head canted to the side as her smile grew, although there was a certain sadness in her eyes. "First things first, stay out of trouble, will ya? I'm not gonna be around to bail you out."

"I'm sorry, what? Did you say you bail me out?" A hand was lifted to cut her off before he added. "Alright, I'll play along. You have my word. I'll behave. Is that it?"

"No, that's not it. I want you to have this." A hand lifted as she slid the guitar strap off her shoulder, setting the instrument down beside him.

"Your guitar? You're kidding. You love that thing."

"Which is all the more reason why you should have it. We made some sweet music together, but I think you have a better chance of putting it to good use. Plus, it's a little conspicuous, doncha think? A runaway traveling with a guitar on her shoulder?"

"Good point. Then I'll take it - until we meet up again and make some more sweet music." His tone was slightly mocking, although he did appreciate the hand-me-down. It was just his way of making this whole goodbye thing easier. They both loved music, whether it was playing the guitar, singing, or dancing. It's a shame that had to end. "I got a little somethin' for you too." He reached into the pocket of his jeans and retracted his wallet, pulling out a wad of cash and extending it to her.

After taking the money, she'd unfold it to see how much was there. Immediately after, she shook her head. "A hundred dollars? How long did you have to work to get this? I'm sorry, I can't take it. Here."

Both hands were lifted as he took a step back. "It's a gift. You can't give it back! Come on, it's all I've got. Don't insult me by refusing to take it."

She really didn't feel like spending their last few minutes together arguing, so she'd reluctantly slide the money into her back pocket. "Thank you, for everything. I never would've made it all these years without you."

"Now you're just being dramatic."

"No, I'm being honest." There was a long pause as any trace of emotion vanished from her face, steps taken forward to close in the small gap between them. This was intentionally done, mainly to see how he'd react and to make what was coming next more unexpected. Once the space between them was nonexistent, she'd reach out and take hold of his hand, leaning forward shortly after as she brushed her lips against his. It was just a peck at first, before it turned into a light, yet passionate kiss. The moment was short-lived, however, when the train whistled from behind signaling it would be leaving the station soon. It was then that she drew back just enough to peer up at him, tears now clouding her vision. One hand lifted to rest lightly on his chest as she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "I love you. I always have. And no matter where I go or what I do, that won't change. Because no one will ever compare to you."

Surprised didn't even begin to cover it. He'd waited years to have any sort of romantic affection returned, and she chose now? Not only that, but the weight of what she was saying . . . he had no idea how to respond to that. For the first time in his entire life, he was speechless. 'I love you too' was so cliche, but nothing witty was coming to him at the moment. He was drawing a blank. Finally though, it came to him. It just took a little longer than usual. "Ditto." He remembered the first chick flick she'd made him sit through: Ghost. By the night's end, he'd really been sick of Patrick Swayze. Dirty Dancing was alright because of the dancing side to it, but the other movie was a little sappy - and a little creepy. But she liked it, so he'd watched it.

A brief laugh fell from her lips before she rested her forehead lightly against his. She knew she should get going, but although her mind was telling her to go, her heart was telling her to stay - and her legs were not cooperating right now either. "The movie wasn't that bad." Her voice shook a little, and she had to bite down on her bottom lip to keep from crying. But a single tear did manage to fall shortly after eyes came to a tight close.

She had a habit of hanging in there as long as she could and then completely breaking down. And as much as he didn't want it to get to that point, he didn't know if he was strong enough to release her just yet. Just a few more minutes; that's all he needed. So instead he pulled her into a comforting embrace, one hand gently stroking her hair as he held her close. He let the tears flow, feeling the way they dampened the material of his shirt despite how she kept her face hidden - a habit she always had when she cried, as if she were ashamed.

But eventually, he had to let her go.

The conductor made a last call for any boarding passengers, and it was then they'd break apart. She'd lift her hand to gently caress his cheek.

"Get on that train, please. If you won't do it for you, do it for me." He swallowed around the lump in his throat, knowing she was more likely to do it for him than herself.

And he'd been right. She'd always do what he asked her to, even now. Her hand slid down his arm before giving his hand a gentle squeeze, then she turned and headed for the train. After her ticket was handed over, she'd step aboard, although she remained lingering in the doorway. She turned to look at him one last time, forcing the best smile she could when her heart was breaking.

"See you later, wildcat."

"Yeah, see ya."

The doors came to a close, and the train pulled off. And after a brief wave to Brooke who had found her way to a window, he was left standing there knowing that now everything would be different.


- - - - -


[ Six months ago ]

He loved dragging her to these things. The activities they had scheduled were right up his alley. It gave him the chance to be as wild and crazy as he wanted without getting any strange looks from the locals. It's where everyone came to have fun and let down their hair, no matter who they were, herself included. She always had a good time. He knew it, too. Then she'd spend the next few weeks telling him how right he'd been and dealing with the fallout of some incredibly stupid thing he'd talked her into at the time - which most of the time resulted in him poking fun.

"This is great." A broad smile was worn, and his eyes practically lit up with mischief.

She rolled her eyes. "It's the same thing every year."

"I think it's bigger."

"You always say that." Every year when they got here, he'd point out some of the rides and games he thought were new. And every year she'd assure him that it'd always been there - he just hadn't took an interest in them until now.

"Cotton candy?" He wouldn't admit to being wrong, so instead he'd change the subject. It didn't really matter whether she said yes or no. He'd already gotten out some money and headed over to the stand, knowing she'd follow.

"Wow, you're starting with the pigging out a little early tonight, aren't ya?" One brow lifted playfully as she then shook her head. "I'll pass."

"You're just jealous that I can eat so much and stay lookin' this good." After swapping out the cash for the cotton candy, he'd pick off a large bite and stuff it in his mouth. "Sure you don't want some?"

"As appetizing as you make it look, I'm sure."

"You just don't want to get your fingers sticky." A beat. "Don't tell me you're on a diet, cause then I'd have to shoot you. You're barely there as it is." After stuffing another bite in his mouth, he'd lick his lips. "Mmmm."

He always had a way of getting to her. So after a huff, she'd reach out and swipe a bite of her own. "You happy now?"

"Completely." He twirled the cotton candy around in his hand as he briefly let his gaze scan the proximity, looking for where to head next. "Come on." One hand dropped to loosely take hers as he guided her through the crowd.

Their next stop was at the darts stand. He loved to show off his dart-throwing skills. Then he liked to challenge her knowing full well she sucked at it. Tonight was no exception. And his response was always the same.

After he finished gloating, he'd say with a large grin on his face. "Better luck next time. There's always next year."

"Right. Where to now?"

"You pick."

"You're serious?" He usually let her pick, just not this soon - which made her suspicious. What was he up to? Not that it mattered. She wasn't about to pass up the opportunity to choose. After glancing around, a smirk formed. "Hold on to your hat, cowboy." She preferred the rides, and the first one she picked was 'the Scrambler.' Basically it just weaved in and out with other seats and twirled in a circular motion, increasing in speed. It was one of her favorites, and one she knew he secretly enjoyed as well, although when they got off, he always stumbled a little.

A hand shot out to help steady him as she peered up at him. "You okay?"

"Yeah, just wish the world would stop spinning." After a minute or so, he was fine - and searching for their next venture. "Let's get a drink."

"You think that's going to help stop the world from spinning?" When he said 'get a drink,' he usually wasn't referring to coke. He knew people in high places, or low ones - although he did most of his drinking in more private places -- ran a lower risk of getting caught that way.

"Lemonade. Mary-Jane makes the best lemonade in all of Texas."

"Is that your expert opinion?"

"It sure is. Now are you gonna argue with me all day, or are you gonna take my word for it?"

"Don't I always take your word for it?"

"That's 'cause you're smart."

After they bought two lemonades, they'd break for him to take a turn at the shooting booth. He could hit anything, dead on. Needless to say, she was impressed. He'd been a crack shot for years. He'd tried to teach her, but she wasn't as good, although she always took a stab at it. She hit four out of five, which was good for someone who didn't even own a gun. She was definitely getting better at it. Maybe in another year or two, she'd be able to hit all the targets. What she didn't know was this would be the last county fair they'd be attending together.

After that, it was her turn again - and she already had another ride in mind. Once she headed towards it and stepped forward, prepared to take a seat, she'd turn and see him just standing there. "You coming or what?"

"I'll do or ride anything but that."

"It's just a ferris wheel. It doesn't even go that fast."

"Then how fun could it be?"

"You're just scared."

"I am not."

"Are too, chicken. That's fine though. I'll ride it by myself. Or I could ask Johnny over there to ride with me. I'm sure he'd love to." Johnny was a friend from school, sort of. He was slightly obsessive when it came to the ladies, and she was one of the 'lucky ones.' She knew that was enough to hook him. Even if he hated it, he wouldn't let her ride with someone else - especially Johnny. The two didn't get along very well.

All these years, she'd never gotten him on the ferris wheel - never really tried to after the first mention of it. But now here he was, seated beside her as it began to spin into motion.

She laughed at the way he held the bar in front of them until his knuckles turned white, reaching over and placing her hand atop of his. "It's not that bad. See? You can see the entire park from up here - even parts of the city."

"Yeah, I see." Despite his best brave face, he was scared to death.

"It's beautiful."

"It's unnatural. Are the seats supposed to move?"

"Move?" She retracted her hand and folded her hands together, placing them in her lap briefly before lifting them, placing both on the bar in front of them as she leaned forward then back, repeating the motion and causing the chair to rock. "You mean like this?"

"Stop that! Are you crazy?! You're gonna break it!"

"It's metal. I hardly doubt I'm going to break it by moving around a little."

"This isn't funny."

"I don't think I've ever seen you scared."

"I'm not scared."

"Of course you're not."

"Is it almost over?"

"It'll take us around a couple more times, and then it'll be over. Just hang in there. You think you can handle that?"

After they got off, he didn't speak to her - not at first. Instead he went straight to the mechanical bull. After all, he had to prove how manly he was after he'd been shaking in his boots. Riding was something they were both good at. He'd taught her because he knew she loved horses. Plus he'd worked at various stables for a few years now ( and his uncle owned a few, so it was easy for him to get access to them ).

This was where they spent a lot of their time. He'd get up there and earn the record for the night, then would have to go back and challenge whoever came along and beat it. Only on this particular evening she was feeling fiesty, so after watching a few people try unsuccessfully to stay on longer than her fearless friend, she'd volunteer.

"Whoa. You think you can beat me? Not a chance, wildcat."

"You'll eat those words, darlin.' When I'm done, you're gonna owe me an apology." That was the last thing she said before she climbed atop the mechanical pull and held on, waiting for them to crank it up. The first time she was thrown rather quickly, mostly because she hadn't gotten the feel of it in awhile. But she was a trooper, so she got up, dusted herself off, and got right back on. She was definitely going to be hurtin' in the morning, but bruises were something she was no stranger to. What were a few more? Besides, if it'd wipe the smug grin off his face, it would all be worth it. This time she stayed on two seconds longer than he had before being thrown, lifting a hand to rest on her ribcage when she tried to get back up. Like the perfect gentlemen he could be, she found him at her side helping her up. No one could ever call him a bad sport.

"Looks like I was wrong."

"Well hold on there. Who taught me how to ride?"

"I did."

"That's right. You surely did." She didn't need an apology or even to bask in the glory of being the best. She just needed to prove to him and to herself that she could do it.

He'd remove his hat and place it on her head, planting a quick kiss on her forehead just before doing so and drawing her into a hug. "You make me proud, Dawson. Real proud."

"Well if you're happy, I'm happy. Isn't that how being a team works?"

"That's right." His attention drifted to the karaoke stage off to the left. "What do you say we show off a little? I think we've earned it, don't you?"

"I'm always up for a little singing."

"And a little dancing."

"Lead the way, cowboy."