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Upon returning to the United States of America, Brooklyn had to part ways with Zach. In theory, it seemed simple as they would only be apart for a short time while the Mitchell's settled back home from their scare ─ especially now that their parents have told them about the divorce. And Brooklyn would be heading to San Diego to meet up with her father and his Fiancé, Sarah. But when it came to actually parting ways, both were absolutely distraught about being apart from each other. Zach kept thinking the worst about what may happen to Brooklyn if he wasn't around and Brooklyn feared the same from her own perspective. It was obvious to the Mitchell's, Claire and Owen ─ who was present due to his relationship with Claire ─ that the two parting would be a lot.

"It's only for two weeks," Karen reminded the two and despite the fact that she was indeed correct about that, it was two weeks too long for the trauma bonded couple. With a tearful kiss, the two eighteen year olds finally managed to go their separate ways. Both thankful that upon their return, Karen had bought Zach a new phone while Claire purchased Brooklyn a new phone as a part of her compensation and gratefulness for what had happened. With each other's numbers secured, they could at least stay in contact during the time apart. Even Gray was saddened to say goodbye to Brooklyn, the two saying a tight hug that was also a promise that they'd see each other soon.

The hug between Owen and Brooklyn was what truly hurt the young woman, she had spent so much time around Owen that it was going to be completely foreign not seeing him every morning or even everyday. The flight from Wisconsin to San Diego ─ her father was currently residing their for Sarah's work ─ was too long for Brooklyn's liking and every roar of the turbulence seemed to cause the pit in her stomach to deepen further. It didn't help with the stares that came her way, the ones of curiosity and pity, others of judgement and mockery. She desperately wanted to see her father, but now more than ever, she wanted to be back in Zach's hold hearing his words of reassurance.

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Ian Malcolm stood tall amongst the bustling crowd in the airport, dressed to impress in his usual black slacks and black button-up shirt; sunglasses hanging from his shirt. He had heard every detail about the park's fall from Owen over the phone during the cruise ship back, his heart ached for the pain his daughter went through however, as he spotted the woman in the crowd, his heart broke more. Gone was the confident woman who strutted through a crowd of thousands with her father's charismatic smirk and left behind was the small presence of the little girl he adored with all of his heart, her face in a set pained frown and her shoulders slumped in an attempt to make herself smaller in the crowd.

Ian didn't stop himself from approaching her quickly, their similar eyes locked in the gap of the crowd and the pain in Brooklyn's eyes was absolutely heartbreaking. He opened his arms and the woman immediately latched onto the man, her tears fell without further fight and she held onto her father like he was her lifeline. Ian embraced his little girl, kissing the top of her head before cooing in her ear to comfort her pain. The physical scars were nothing compared to the emotional turmoil that the fall of Jurassic World had caused ─ physical wounds can heal but emotional wounds, they can fester and destroy faster than anything. Ian kept his daughter against his side as they left the airport, Sarah sending them a sympathetic smile before taking the driver's seat as the father-daughter duo sat in the back.

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Sarah had encouraged that Brooklyn should see a therapist about her trauma but the eighteen year old couldn't find the strength to recount her experience to someone who couldn't understand no matter how hard they tried. And so, Ian decided to call someone who could help her without the fatherly care overwhelming her ─ Ian had been guilty of overdoing things causing Brooklyn to feel claustrophobic by his presence overshadowing her in concern. When Alan Grant showed up, Brooklyn knew she needed to talk it out and that Alan wouldn't take no for an answer. The two spent the day out in the Malcolm garden where she finally opened up about everything that had happened that day ─ minus the romance with Zach.

It was clear to all of them that Brooklyn's talk with Alan had completely wiped the tension from her shoulders, the man understood her struggle slightly better than Ian did having experienced Isla Sorna as well as Isla Nublar in the past ─ of course, Ian reminded them of his own experiences but both waved him off with smirks. Brooklyn's smile slowly returned, the light in her dull eyes was coming to life and upon her mother's arrival, she had become more talkative again. She had spent every night sharing messages with Zach who had been seeing a therapist ─ a promise he made to his little brother so Gray would too. Thankfully, their therapist was someone who had experience dealing with a similar trauma; while it wasn't Dinosaurs, he had been a solider in a war; there was a small understanding amongst them.

Slowly, Brooklyn could see the potential of healing from the trauma, though she still had many years ahead of her; she still managed to take the first steps towards the healing process. The trauma would never be gone but she'd learn to deal with it, work with it and live with it in time. Little moments still affected her like when she'd hear a growl, the hairs on the back of neck would stand or when she felt a small vibration, her heart would begin racing. But there wasn't a whole lot in the city that could resemble what she knew for Dinosaurs which seemed to help with her anxiety. And spending time with her parents had helped immensely, though she had gotten the 'I told you so' lecture from her father once he knew she was okay enough to hear it.

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The two weeks had come to an end, Brooklyn had spent time organising an apartment for herself in Madison, Wisconsin as Zach decided to have a gap year before going to college. With her new place ready, the ravenette was now standing in the airport saying her farewells to her father ─ her mother had left two days earlier ─ and Sarah. Ian was sad to see her go but the almost nineteen year old had her own life to live and even he saw how much she was missing Zach, he wouldn't keep her away longer than needed. Hugs and promises were shared before the woman finally boarded the plane, she settled into her seat and took steady breaths. She was eager to see Zach but even moreso to ask him her crazy idea ─ to move in with her.

Back in Wisconsin, the Mitchell's could all see how terribly lost Zach was without Brooklyn by his side. He barely slept, barely ate and rarely spoke. The only time he did was when he was with Gray, the older brother spending heaps of time with his little brother after everything they went through. Karen and Claire were beyond worried for Zach, he clearly needed to learn how to survive without her despite the trauma. But to Scott and Owen, they completely understood the eighteen year olds feelings, the need to protect the one who he clearly loved. The woman had clearly denied that, stating it was too soon and they were codependent but Owen denied that instantly; he could see it clear as day. Love has no time limit, just a spark is all it takes to become more.

Zach may not be quite in love with Brooklyn yet but he definitely did love her and it was only a matter of time before she was the only one for him. So when Saturday morning rolled around and the doorbell rang, Owen held a smirk on his face as he sat at the table with Scott; the two had gotten along well. Karen had welcomed Brooklyn into their home, embracing her in a gentle hug that she happily accepted. Gray got the second hug before Owen stepped up, Claire smiled as they hugged while Scott simply shook her hand. Zach however, was still in bed staring blankly at his ceiling. After greeting the family, Gray lead the ravenette up the stairs and to Zach's door, he left her there with another hug.

Brooklyn knocked on the door hearing a faint 'come in' from a tired Zach, she took a breath to steel herself before opening the door and stepping inside, closing the door behind her. Zach lifted his gaze and felt his whole world stop at the sight of Brooklyn standing there, her hair hung loosely down her shoulders and she wore a warm jumper with some track pants. She sent him a sheepish smile before saying, "Hi, Zach." He snapped from his daze and sat up, his tired eyes lit up as he grinned at her. "You're here," Zach breathed out, Brooklyn smiled before walking over and climbing onto the bed. Zach pulled her into his arms and cradled her against his chest, the feeling of her back in his arms was everything he needed. "I missed you," Zach whispered to her. "I missed you," Brooklyn replied softly.

The two had moved to lay comfortably in Zach's bed, the blankets pulled up to cover them as Brooklyn lay snuggled against his chest, his arms wrapped around her. "What are you plans?" Zach asked breaking the comfortable silence they had been in. "I got an apartment... here in Madison," Brooklyn answered him before pulling back enough to look up at him, "I was pretty serious about seeing where this thing goes between us." Zach's smile made Brooklyn swoon, he held her closer and snuggled his head into her neck. "You have no idea how happy that makes me," Zach whispered to her. "I was also gonna ask... maybe... you'd want to move in with me," Brooklyn rushed out before wincing when he pulled back to look at her, eyes wide in shock.

"I know... we're barely dating and everything... and moving in together is like... months into a relationship with someone... but I've never lived alone... and I don't really want to live alone... but I don't want anyone else to live with me but you... but it might too soon... way, way too soon but--" Brooklyn's rambling was cut off by Zach kissing her, his heart was swooning at her offer and he was more than happy to move in with her. To an outsider looking in, it was way, way too soon considering that they weren't even together but to them, and to someone who understands, it was everything they needed and more. "I'd love to live with you, Lyn," Zach whispered once he pulled away, "You and I, we may be trauma bonded but... my heart still lies with you." Brooklyn kissed him again, content and happy with where she was.

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Rosemary Speaks. . .

That's the finale chapter. . .
Next one is a short epilogue that jumps ahead into the future, just by a little bit.

Thoughts, Suggestions or Questions

See you in the next chapter!