The minister's ball tonight had been... fine. Society wasn't really his best field, but he was making attempts because it meant something to his fiancée and that was worth it. Brooks could be uncomfortable for a little while so she could enjoy herself. It was the least he could do. For some reason she put up with his reclusive tendencies and obsessive reading binges more often than he suffered through society events. He would have to endeavor to even that out somehow, now that things were progressing further.

After saying goodnight, Brooks had headed home, walking the short distance from the Alley to his flat. It was small, but nicer than anywhere else he'd ever lived and it was private, which was all he could ask for, for now anyway. Apparently not private enough, for as soon as he opened the door with his key, a familiar voice greeted him. "Would it stop you?" He sighed. Brooks wasn't sure he was in the mood for Mor tonight, but even now, after everything that had happened, he still couldn't close that door firmly and walk away.