Ex boyfriend Brynjolf who disappears from your life the moment your relationship ends. The breakup was a disaster - screaming, crying, both of you breaking down because you want it to work. You want to be together but there's just too much standing between you.
His loyalty to Mercer. Your duties as the Dragonborn. Responsibilities that force you into different Holds for weeks. Too long between breaks that don't line up. No matter how badly you love each other it isn't enough. Neither of you are able to give up your position, no concessions can be made to keep the relationship alive.
Brynjolf takes every trace of his existence with him. You'd planned out a time for him to retrieve his belongings from your home but he erases himself. Every product he'd favorited, the socks he'd left beside the bed, any bit of evidence that could prove you'd once been in love is gone.
He'd never taken you to the headquarters for the Thieves Guild. Brynjolf had claimed that it was due to your position and wanting your reputation to remain unsullied. In the dead of night when you're eager for a bit of pain you wonder if his true intention was always to disappear like this, to have somewhere he could retreat without you following. If he'd spent the entire relationship only half committed.
Ex boyfriend Brynjolf showing up at one of the tedious galas you're pressured to attend. Hair combed away from his face and wearing a finer outfit than you'd ever seen. Your heart nearly pounding out of your chest at the sight of him flirting. You know that smile - the dimple, the gentle hand on someone else's shoulder.
It turns your stomach. You have to right to be so upset but he's nearly kissing her. His fingers track up her throat, faces too close as he whispers something. Emerald eyes glitter once they find you, pinning you in place.
You fumble for an excuse to escape but there's no time. Brynjolf is stalking through the crowd, the expensive clothing perfectly accentuating a body you know better than your own.
"Dragonborn." He greets, a greedy hand on your waist. All conversation ceases as your ex partner's body rests so naturally behind yours.
"Excuse us for a moment, yeah?" The silent command sends nobles scattering in search of a new group. You're left standing there, your ex boyfriend's hand curled around your hip and every inch of your skin seeking more.
"You look breathtaking." Brynjolf whispers, his lips on the overheated skin of your ear.
"Shouldn't you be getting back to your partner?" You choke out, jealousy battling the overwhelming urge to touch him. Brynjolf chuckles into your skin, the hand on your hip ushering you closer. He fishes an expensive necklace from a pocket - it was all a distraction.
"There is no one else, love." Your ex is nearly moaning into your skin. In a sea of important people Brynjolf kisses your shoulder and you may melt. "No one but you."