FSE

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formerly SoFurry search engine

-10:27pm

As the door to a small and homely apartment was opened, two figures slowly walked in as one hit the light switch. A short and lean hare with tawny fur and a tall cougar with a hefty yet sturdy build. The both of them were walking with their arms wrapped around one another. The hare, Marcus, stood with a proud posture he hadn't felt for while. Acting as a support for his date, Brooke, he walked her back to her apartment and guided her to the couch. As they both reached her sofa, Marcus let Brooke go as she sat down. Leaning back before beckoning Marcus to sit next to her. Marcus obliged and sat next to her, although he purposefully left a bit of space between them. Simply looking at the beautiful cougar beside him. He remained quiet as he felt flustered beneath her gaze. His eyes soon drifted away before he looked around the room. He saw several plaques and important-looking documents adorning the wall with multiple signatures, an assortment of what looked to be ranks being displayed, and a folded flag sitting in a triangular box sitting above everything else. Marcus knew that Brooke took pride in her former career, so seeing it all on display was a welcome insight for him. After gazing at her wall for a few more moments, Marcus turned his head to look back towards Brooke, seeing that she had leaned closer to his. Her face was only a few inches from his, as he soon felt her breath on his face. She noticed a slight smile growing on her face as she looked him up and down. The mere notion of someone being interested in him like that was certainly something he didn't know how to feel about, but he had to admit, Brooke looked amazing.

"I had a great time tonight," Brooke said in a hushed tone. "I haven't had this much fun on a date in a while, and I was wondering if you enjoyed yourself too." Brooke said as a strange smile grew on her face. "I... I did." Marcus quietly said. Although he pulled back slightly as he shied away, He wanted to smile and be happy, but he just felt conflicted. He had an idea of what Brooke wanted at the moment, but he wasn't sure if he was willing to give it. "What's wrong?" Brooke spoke up. Reaching out and placing a hand on Marcus' cheek before lifting it up. Ensuring he was looking at her when she spoke. "You are very handsome and kind, and I do like you. I just want you to know that."

With those words, Marcus felt a twang in his chest. His heart was fluttering, but his stomach was tying itself into knots. Brooke deserved much more than him, and he knew she could do far better. Yet her affection seemed genuine. It wasn't something he seemed to understand or wanted to understand. It just seemed that he was doing something wrong by going out with her on New Year's. It just felt like there were ulterior motives in the entire affair given that they were going out to town square on New Years. Not that their date just went well; it was just that the festivities that happened downtown tended to lead to unceremonious hookups, and that was the last thing he wanted or needed. "I like you too, Brooke. I just don't know why I feel so... hung up." Marcus said, looking into her eyes. His eyes stuck on her face, yet they ceased to change. Her kind smile remained as she listened to him try to explain his emotions to her, her demeanor painfully reminding Marcus of times long gone.

-7:24pm

Pulling up on the side of the curb and putting his car in park, Marcus leaned back and unbuckled himself. The scrawny rabbit leaned back and let out a light breath before he pulled out his phone. Pulling his phone up and sending a text out to his New Year's date that he had arrived. He had seriously considered calling the entire thing off, but his neighbor was rather insistent that he should go and put himself out there again. She assured him that she was more than happy to babysit for him while he went out on his date. But despite her incessant pushing, Marcus still didn't feel quite right. Sure, his date was smoking hot and someone he was decent friends with, but he still felt like he was in the wrong for meeting her at this kind of New Year's celebration. Especially given everything he'd heard about it through idle chatter at his office. It definitely didn't feel like a place he'd fit in. But he didn't want to seem rude and miss out on an opportunity that had fallen into his lap. But he still didn't feel right as he began fidgeting with his hands. His date, Brooke, was a very attractive woman, and he had no right to even be interested in someone like him. She was such an outgoing and enthusiastic woman who was an excellent colleague to work with. A retired military officer who already had a background in cyber security when she was employed, putting her right next to Marcus. And it also didn't hurt that she was a very charismatic individual who seemed like she was able to talk anyone into anything. Even getting the quiet and dour workaholic to go out on a date with her on New Year's. As he wondered why he was so conflicted about everything, he noticed that he had been absentmindedly fidgeting with his wedding band. His lips tightened as he gritted his teeth, wondering if this is what Ellie would want or if he was overthinking everything as he tended to do.

After thinking for a few moments, Marcus swallowed hard and pulled his wedding band off. Glancing at it for merely a moment before dropping it in a cup holder. Opening his door and stepping out into the frigid nighttime air. He let out a stiff breath before walking towards his rendezvous point. As he pushed through the chilly weather, he forced himself to focus on the path ahead of him. I was thinking about the wonderful woman who thought highly enough of him to ask him out. Keeping his mind on her was enough to keep his legs moving, and before he knew it, he was at the plaza adjacent to Brooke's apartment complex. After he arrived, Marcus quickly scanned around the sparsely populated area to see if he could find Brooke. His eyes darted from one side to another, his feet shuffling as he got more and more desperate to lay his eyes upon his date. But as he spotted no sign of her, his breath quickened as he quickly started breathing through his mouth. His large incisors were getting blasted with cold air as he started working himself into a panic. He became so hype-focused on the plaza in front of him that when he felt a hand lay on his shoulder, he jolted up. His body was whipping around in fear before he laid his eyes on Brooke. The sly cougar stifled a laugh as she saw his reaction. She soon stowed her laughter away before she smiled at him. Those bright blue eyes of hers eased Marcus into a calm stupor. Her gaze mesmerized him, failing to register that she was speaking to him.

"Hey, sorry about that." Brooke said this as she walked closer to Marcus. "I called out to you, but you didn't seem to hear me. I like your coat, by the way. It looks good on you." Marcus found himself flustered by the quick compliment. He felt better about himself as he began putting himself into a more sociable mindset. "I... uh, thanks." He swiftly stated: "No problem. Now, let's get going." Brooke said as she put her hands into her pockets and began walking towards the center of town. Marcus soon followed, catching up before he got in step with Brooke.

10:31pm-

Marcus looked down at the floor. He stared off as he thought about everything that had happened. He had enjoyed himself and was wondering if he should be headed home. That thought was soon dashed, though, as he felt a light breath on his shoulder. He quickly turned to see that Brooke had moved closer to him. Marcus soon lost his train of thought as he was overwhelmed by Brooke's sheer beauty. He had an idea of what Brooke wanted to do, yet he felt as if said thought--even said notion--was utterly wrong. He then felt Brooke place a hand on the side of his face. Her fingers were brushing over his cheekbone. Moving the fur out of place before smoothing it back over. Marcus swiftly gulped at her touch. She got lost in her blue eyes as she looked upon him with a warm and doting expression that Marcus desperately missed. His nose swiftly twitched as his foot shook, a sense of excitement growing in the back of his mind. His own hand reached up and placed his own hand on the side of her face. Feeling the coarse yet almost plush texture of the fur on her face. He felt as Brooke leaned into his touch, watching as her eyes closed and hearing her let out a gentle coo. Marcus soon felt the warmth of her, the pads of his paw touching her skin. Marcus felt himself soon becoming engulfed in a sense of calm. Marcus soon noticed Brooke opening her eyes. Her brilliant blue eyes were almost as sparkling as the light as she moved her face closer to Marcus'. He felt the warmth of her breath rustling through his fur; feeling her breath on his lips made his mind run blank, yet his lips moved of their own accord. Falling slack as they opened ever so slightly. Brooke soon took the opportunity and made her move. Moving forward and pressing her lips to his. Marcus' eyes widened, yet he didn't dislike the sensation.

Marcus felt Brooke's lips begin to slowly move over his. Feeling the softness of her lips against his, feeling the way she moved across his unresponsive lips. I felt how she moved across and around. Her lips were gently opening and closing on his. He wanted to reciprocate, yet he didn't know how. He then felt Brooke press her tongue against his lips. Prodding and trying to pry his lips open, she worked to worm her way inside. Marcus was still stuck in place; his mind was racing, yet completely blank. His eyes were wide open, yet he saw nothing. He was thinking of everything, yet nothing at the same time. He wanted to push her away, to stop her before things went too far, yet he also wanted to indulge in the moment. He wanted to reciprocate the moment and show her just how much he wanted this, but all he could do was stay frozen. Brooke continued pressing on. Each time pressing harder, before she eventually pushed in. Marcus felt her tongue finally slip into his mouth. Feeling her rough tongue move around within his mouth. Exploring and trying to find its way around, exploring the contours of the roof of his mouth, soon pulling back before Marcus finally reciprocated. Not wanting to lose his chance, he gripped Brooke's fur and pressed his lips into hers. Shutting his eyes and enjoying the feeling of his tongue pressing against hers. Brooke soon let out a soothing moan before a heavy purr rumbled through her body. The rumbling vibrations soothed Marcus as he cocked his head to the side. A light sequence of chirps came from his throat as he breathed out into her mouth as she breathed into his. Marcus enjoyed her taste, enjoying her breath, and enjoying her presence as he took note of the flavors he was picking up. Some flatbread and sauce, fruity undertones from her drinks, and the distinct sharpness of alcohol.

Marcus soon began wondering if Brooke was only this way due to the alcohol or if she really did mean what she said during their date.

-7:43pm

Marcus and Brooke stood together in a relatively short line for some drinks from one of the many stalls that were set up for the holiday season, trading occasional glances at one another as the line moved at a gradual pace. Moving at a reasonable pace before the pair eventually made it to the end of the line. Standing at a stall set up in front of a van adorned with branding and ran by two dragonesses. One blue with green highlights adorning her scales was in the front, while the other sporting a color scheme of red with black speckles was behind her, operating some light machinery in the back. I was working over several large steaming cauldrons that were placed over some propane burners. Brooke looked at the menu before pulling out a twenty-dollar bill. "I'll take the 'Drachendame Glühwein Special'," Brooke stated before gesturing towards Marcus. "I'll take some hot apple cider, please." Marcus said. Brooke soon handed the blue dragoness the cash she called out to her partner in the back. Brooke soon received her change as the red dragoness came up with their drinks in hand. Marcus and Brooke soon walked over to a vacant bench as they set their things down. "Okay, so what would you like to eat?" Marcus asked Brooke. She then looked towards some food trucks before spying on a Greek-themed one. "How do you feel about gyro?" Brooke asked as she pulled her wallet out again. Marcus took note before politely stopping her. "You covered our drinks, so it's only fair I cover food." Brooke made no objection. "I'll take mine with lamb and sauce then," she said before setting her drink down. Getting comfortable as Marcus skipped towards the line.

After their meal and warm drinks, Marcus and Brooke got up before taking a stroll down some of the well-lit pathways surrounding the plaza. They walked side by side as they simply talked. Going on about their past, their views, how they were shaped, and how their careers went, "So after my contract ended and I was discharged, I started looking for places that used similar systems to what I was trained on, leading me to my current gig." Brooke said, recounting how she went from operating munitions batteries halfway across the world to a rather mundane office job. Marcus had to admit that his career path seemed quite boring compared to hers. Brooke then inquired why he worked so late so often, leading him to go down the tragic rabbit hole (pun intended) that was his love life. "So after she got her diagnosis, Ellie crashed and burned. There is no better way to put it. She's been fine in April and... gone in August. It's been nearly a year and a half now, and I've just been taking so many extra hours to give Marnie something more than her mother's life insurance payout." Marcus stated. "That's why I was so hesitant to go out tonight. I think that you are absolutely wonderful, but I fear I may be trying in vain to fill the void that Ellie left." Marcus said as the pair soon found themselves back at the beginning of the trail. "I'm sorry to hear that, Marcus. I never knew. And if this does end up being a one-time thing, I hope you'll be able to find someone else. You are such a smart and charming person, and I hope you know that." Marcus was flattered but also charmed. He had to admit that he hadn't felt this happy with another person in a long time. He only hoped they could make it farther than a one-time date or even a quick fling.

"Would you like to get another drink before heading back to my place?" Brooke said as they strolled towards the center of the plaza. Marcus gave her an inquisitive yet unsure look. "I, uh, if you want to." Marcus said before looking forward again. "As long as you're okay with it," Brooke said before the pair got back in line.

-10:54pm

As Marcus remained connected to Brooke at the lips, time seemed to become irrelevant. His eyelids were heavy and barely open as he lost track of how long he had been making out with Brooke or how their bodies became curled up and entangled with one another. Not that he actually cared. He enjoyed the feeling of Brooke's hands exploring his back, stroking his long ears, and lightly scratching him with her claws as his legs were hoisted up and pressing against her hips and torso. His hands felt around her shoulders and upper torso. Whenever one would slow down, the other would respond with renewed vigor. Dragging out the kiss that much more as hands began exploring farther than was intended. Marcus soon recognized where his hands had landed as he felt the swell of Brooke's breasts beneath his hands. He stopped for merely a moment as he started reconsidering what he was actually doing, but those thoughts were soon discarded when he felt her squeeze over the small of his back. Her claws extended and scraped his back, eliciting an aroused trill from him. Making him squeeze down on the mounds that lay in his grasp. Soon feeling Brooke happily purr, making Marcus coo into the kiss. His mind was lost in a cloud of lust and bliss as he felt Brooke's fingers soon begin toying with his fly. His heart skipped a beat as he felt Brooke begin to undo the buttons holding his pants together, but Brooke's purring lulled him back to a state of willing submission. As he felt Brooke's fingers sneak into his pants, he moaned as the leathery pads of her fingers brushed up against his swiftly growing member. He let out a quiet groan as Brooke fished his penis out of his pants. His short and stout rod protruded as Brooke began to slowly stroke him. Her fingers were tapping up and down across his prick, sensually stroking him as she cooed into their kiss.

Marcus felt ecstatic at the touch. It had been a long time since the last time anyone touched him like that. Making his crotch tense as he felt so many wonderful feelings stirring within his depths. He squirmed and twisted in Brooke's grasp. A smile etched onto his face as he felt his peak quickly arrive. Everything truly felt amazing, as his entire body tingled. His short length pulsated in Brooke's grasp, flexing at her caring touches. At this point, Marcus couldn't even creak his eyes open the slowest bit, nor did he want to. The wonderful sensations plaguing his mind drove off any coherent thoughts in his head as he felt awash in building euphoria. His grunts and moans soon became more frequent as his base felt as if it was starting to coil up and tighten. He mumbled a muffled warning into Brooke's mouth. He lost any stream of coherent thought before he felt Brooke pull back. His eyes creaked open, and he felt awestruck by her gaze. Her neck and shoulders were relaxed, her head cocked to the side as her mouth was left hanging open, and her eyes were glazed over with pure pleasure. Her heavy breathing and lustful gaze made Marcus have all sorts of lewd thoughts. Disregarding every single apprehension he had. I gave her a heavy laugh before stroking the side of her face. Marcus then watched as Brooke bared her teeth. She showed off her fangs as she pulled her head back. Marcus wondered what she was doing but was caught off guard as she lunged her head forward, clasping her jaws around Marcus' throat. Any disagreement with her was caught in her throat. Part surprise, part unbridled pleasure. The hold Brooke had on his throat was exhilarating and drove him far past his peak. Marcus let out a resounding squeal as his pelvic muscles flexed, and he thrust forward and spewed months and months of his pent-up seed out. Lashing across his clothes and the upholstery of Brooke's couch. Staining them with his semen, he felt light as a feather as his orgasm rocked his body. He felt Brooke giggle against his neck before pulling back. Marcus soon creaked his eyes open. He took another look around before looking at Brooke's smiling face. She kept giggling. Marcus felt elated, but a disturbing realization soon overtook his thoughts. He realized that he just came from the touch of another woman. An inebriated woman he hadn't even had a full date with, a woman who wasn't his wife.

Brooke soon calmed down. Her giggle subsided before she spoke up. "That was fun. That was really fun." She said this as she pulled her hand away from Marcus' deflating shaft. Marcus was quiet as a sense of disgust for himself made itself more and more known, leading to a sense of sheer panic setting in. "Marcus. Are you okay?" She asked, raising her hand to stroke his ear, only for him to pull back. "I'm sorry. I..." He soon got off the couch and fixed his pants. "I... I gotta' go." Marcus said. His lip was quivering and his voice was shaking as he began hyperventilating. "Marcus, wai-" Brooke tried to say before Marcus ran out and shut the door behind him. Brooke felt her heart sink as she got off her couch. The realization that she just jerked off a depressed widower on her couch after a single night out on the town weighed on her as she stood up. Realizing that she's going to bed alone again. She soon stood up and walked over to her window to look out and see Marcus drive off.

-11:33pm

Marcus lightly knocked on his neighbor's door. The air felt incredibly cold as it seeped through his freshly washed fur. His fresh, untarnished clothes helped, but not enough to soothe him, as he felt disgusted with himself. He soon looked up to see the door opening as a stout otter about his height stood in the doorframe. "Marcus? You're home earlier than I expected." The otter said before a look of worry showed itself. "Did your date fall apart?" Marcus simply gave a slow nod. "Oh, you poor thing. Come in; Marnie passed out about twenty minutes ago." The otter said as she walked into her apartment, beckoning Marcus to follow. He soon entered his neighbor's domicile. Walking over to her dining table, he soon stropped in his tracks as he looked over to see his daughter passed out on the couch as some old cartoons played in the background. Marcus looked at her still and peaceful face with a sense of fondness. She looked just like her mother, with her small, light gray snout that was covered in black and white speckles. Her nose occasionally twitched as the colors emanating from the TV danced across her face. He soon looked over to the kitchen to see Hannah preparing some tea. He soon walked over to her table and got himself seated. He sat still as he thought over his night. Gulping as he thought about what he and Brooke did. He failed to stop. What he allowed to happen. He was complacent. His stomach felt like it was doing summersaults now. He took another deep breath before his thumb drifted down to his ring finger. Taking note of the distinct lack of his wedding ring, He took another deep breath, feeling as if he had cheated on his wife. Like he betrayed his beloved Ell- "Lemon and ginger with a spoonful of honey." Hannah said as she set a steaming mug in front of him. She then pulled out a chair and sat next to Marcus. "So. What happened?" Hannah said before taking a sip of her tea.

Marcus took a sip of his hot tea before swallowing it down. "The date went... well, I guess. I'd say we enjoyed ourselves." Marcus said. He kept his head down as he stared into his mug. "So, what went wrong?" Hannah gently pressed. "I walked her back to her place and... made the mistake of following her inside." Marcus said as he pursed his lips. "Wait, you mean... no." Hannah said as she caught on to what Marcus was saying. "You slept with her!?" Hannah exclaimed. She is doing her best to keep her voice down so as not to wake up Marnie. "No! No. No, nothing like that. Not... exactly." Marcus said, raising his hands as he tried to rectify the misunderstanding. "Then what happened to make you run off?" Hannah said, focusing on finding out what happened. Her words were somewhat harsh, but Marcus felt as if they were deserved. "We sat on the couch; we ended up making out, and it ended up turning into her... touching me when she was under the influence." Marcus said, his voice quieting down. "What? I... I don't know what to say." Hannah said as she leaned back and let out a loud exhale. "I feel terrible about it. She seemed into it, but I hated how I felt after." Marcus let out. "So... do you not like her?" Hannah asked. "No, not really... I guess the only person I hate in this situation is myself. I let this happen, and I should have stopped it." Marcus explained. "I had a great time with her on our date, but I feel like I'm betraying Ellie, and Brooke." Hannah's face lit up in recognition of the source of the issue. "So you did like your time with her, but you're still not over Ellie?" Hannah said with a hint of exhaustion. Marcus simply nodded at her analysis. "I know you miss her; I do too, but you're throwing away a chance to start again." Marcus knew Hannah meant well, but her words were irking him. Feeling as if she was not understanding him. "A chance to love someone again, a chance to give Marnie a chance at having a normal childhoo-" "Don't even start trying to guilt me into getting back with Brooke just because you can't find a girlfriend!" Marcus interjected. Her words were cutting him deep. Hannah pulled back, too shocked to retort, before Marcus started talking again. "I work these long hours to give Marnie a launch pad for the future! And don't even dare compare some random woman with Ellie!" Marcus said it with a harsh voice. His temper was getting out of control before he realized what he said. "I'm sorry. I'm..." Marcus tried apologizing before he leaned back in his chair. Hannah stood still, her lip and brow twitching as she looked over Marcus. "Marcus, get one thing straight. You can either accept that Ellie's gone, step up and be a fucking father for your daughter, or keep up your pathetic pity party!" Hannah said as she cut the fluff out and told Marcus what he needed to hear.

"I am sick of having to hear how you keep ignoring Marnie when you drop her off with me. I am sick of hearing you moan and whine about the long hours you willingly take. I am sick of hearing you talk about a woman who's been dead for over a year now. I understand you are still hurting, but you need to move on and get your act together. You aren't some young freshman; you are a father. You have a daughter that needs her father; your job can wait. So I don't care what you want to say or do, but I understand this. Ellie said she wanted you to be happy, and you have been anything but in the last year. You can still love her and keep her memory alive while getting yourself out there. You need to actually raise your daughter. Do not leave her with your neighbor or with the rest of her family just because you want to keep working so that you can ignore all your other problems." Hannah said. Her words may have been cold and harsh, but they were brewing for a while.

Marcus simply stood still, taking in what Hannah just said to him. He leaned back and contemplated her words. He didn't like the way she just dug to him, but he hated that she was right. He had been neglecting everything, even himself, in favor of his work, simply to not acknowledge the issues going on within his mind. "I..." Marcus tried to say something, but he couldn't muster anything more than a weak syllable. Hannah let out a slow breath before looking at Marcus. "I'm sorry, Marcus. I'm just tired of seeing you like this." Hannah said as she took a sip of her tea. "No, you're right." Marcus said, turning in his seat. Looking over his shoulder to see Marnie still peacefully sleeping on the couch. "Marnie deserves better. Brooke deserves better." Marcus said as he looked back over to Hannah. "You deserve better." Hannah quickly stated: "I hope you understand that. You do deserve better." Hannah said as she looked into Marcus' eyes. Marcus looked into his steaming mug before he quickly gulped the cooled tea down. Taking in the flavor profiles that were amplified by the sweetness of the honey, "Hey, Marcus," Hannah said as she looked over at the clock on her oven. Marcus soon looked up at her, wondering what she wanted to say now. "Happy New Year. What happens next, is up to you."

-8:40am

As Brooke's eyes slowly creaked open, she found herself cold and alone in her bed again. She slowly arose, looking around her dimly lit room and letting out a sullen sigh when she saw that she had kicked the covers away from herself, leaving them bunched up at the foot of her bed. She slowly rolled out of bed and made her way to her kitchen. She opened her door to be met by the beams from the morning sun. Nearly blinded for a moment, her eyes soon adjusted as they kept hitting her square in the face, adding an additional grimace to her scowling face as she shambled into the kitchen. Turning her coffee machine on as she leaned against the counter. "Why did I do that?" She said to herself, continuing to berate herself as the machine behind her started sputtering aromatic amber liquid. Slowly filling the cup behind her as she focused on the loud rattling sound, letting the background noise drown out the voice in her head. She soon grabbed the steaming mug and took a quick sip, slightly burning herself as she gritted her teeth. She swabbed down the scalding liquid before setting her mug back down. Taking a deep breath before speaking to herself. "I never should have invited Marcus. That was no place for even trying to start dating." She thought out loud. She could still smell the musky undertones of ejaculate still lingering in the air, the scent proving itself to be a harsh reminder of the grievous error she made with her impaired judgment. "He didn't deserve any of that. I took things way too far." She admitted it to herself. She soon stood up before moving to her living room.

As she walked up to her couch, the stains on her couch seemed to taunt her as she began stripping the cushion covers off. As she got everything folded and, in a pile. Brooke's head perked up as she heard her landline ring. Wondering who would call her this early in the morning, she let it go to voicemail. She focused on getting the soiled sheets ready to be washed as she pulled out a laundry basket. But Brooke dropped everything as she heard Marcus' voice coming through on her answering machine. "Hello, Brooke." He said, Brooke quickly picked up on the nervousness overtones in his voice. "I understand if you're asleep right now... or just don't feel like talking to me... I just wanted to apologize." Brooke felt herself freeze as her heart felt like it was sinking. "I deeply regret how things unfolded and how they ended. I had no right to you last night, and I'm sorry for not stopping." Brooke just stood still, wanting to hear what Marcus wanted to say, yet not understanding why he would blame himself in any way for her actions. "But I'm also calling because... I want to talk again... I know it sounds strange, but I enjoyed being out with you. I... I just don't want things to end between us like this." Brooke felt a strange twang in her chest upon hearing those words. A paradoxical sense of hope and dread resonated through Brooke's torso. "And... I'd like to meet up again sometime in the future over some coffee. So... could you call back when you get this?" Marcus stated. "And... uh, goodbye."

As Marcus hung up, Brooke quickly picked up the phone. She stared at the small screen on the receiver as her hand trembled around it, debating whether or not she wanted to call back. Her mind was practically screaming at her to call him back; she had a second chance right in front of her on a silver platter, just waiting for her to take it. But she still felt unsure; it all felt too good to be true, and she hated that feeling. The quick decisiveness she prided herself on seemed to simply slip away in an instant, leaving a shameful void in its place. "Come on! I've done worse with less!" She said to herself, quickly operating on instinct and steeling herself. She took a deep breath to calm herself down before taking a hard swallow and hitting the redial button. Holding her breath as the phone rang for a few seconds. As each second passed, Brooke's sense of hope started to slip. Each second gets agonizingly longer than the next. Brooke felt her lungs start to beg for fresh air, her throat tightening and drying up as she felt as if she had let her last chance slip away. "Hello, Brooke?" Marcus eagerly answered. Brooke felt a weight lift off of her shoulder. She quickly let out a bated breath, her head quickly clearing as she answered Marcus. "Hey, I got your message. I would like to uh... I'd like to see you again some time."