hey!! can you write something about Brendon and exwife!reader who co parent. they’re on pretty good terms for the kid (definitely not because they’re still very much in love 😛) but eventually they get back together. i know it’s pretty vague but i really love second chance and thought you could write it beautifully
You blow out a breath as you look into the hallway mirror.
I can do this.
It’s just him.
I'm fine.
A knock at the door interrupts your attempt at encouraging affirmations. You rub your hands on the side of your jeans as you make your way to the front door.
This happens every time.
This feeling.
The nervousness.
You thought you’d feel more settled after the separation, more peace. But it only seemed to fuel your nerves.
You’re the one who brought up the idea of divorce.
You’re the one who walked away first.
But it wasn’t a light decision.
Brendon was your world. Marrying him was the best decision of your life. Even now you wouldn’t change a thing.
After only one year of marriage, you had your baby girl, Claire. She was the absolute light of your and Brendon’s life.
She wanted for nothing because you both promised to give her the world.
Two years later is when things started to slowly fall apart.
As one of the best orthopedic surgeons on the east coast, Brendon worked quite a lot at the hospital and you knew this. The odd hours, the late nights, not seeing him for a day or two at a time.
You understood what came with that and you were on board from the start.
When Claire was born he was so present for you both and was incredibly involved. After those first two years he started working more. More than usual to the point you weren't sure when he’d be home.
You still kept him thoroughly updated with Claire. Sending videos and pictures, even facetiming him during breaks so he could see her.
Then he stopped answering his phone. Replies became scarce with only a ‘read’ receipt as a sign he even saw your texts.
This started to take a toll on you, on your marriage.
It would be one thing if you were the only one to be affected by this but you had a daughter who was now barely seeing her dad.
After a few months of this you confronted Brendon and explained how you were feeling. That you and Claire missed him and that you need him.
You don’t know what caused the boil over but the night ended in raised voices and tears.
Both of you hurt.
At the time Brendon couldn’t see how things were affecting you. So it was no surprise he didn’t take it well when you suggested separating.
He couldn’t lose you or Claire.
But he did anyways.
Pennsylvania law didn’t require a separation period before divorce but you both agreed it would be better to start with that for Claire’s benefit.
It had been several months since that night and every day you were plagued with every emotion and feeling.
Is he happier?
Does he miss you?
Is he seeing anyone?
The thought makes you sick but you reel the feeling back.
You open the door and come face to face with the same handsome face you fell in love with six years ago.
“Hey” he smiles, holding a sleeping Claire in his arms
“Hey Bren,” you return the smile.
You both had agreed that you would have Claire during the week due to his schedule and that he would get her during the weekends. Not the most ideal but you both wanted her to have as much stability with both of her parents.
Brendon also insisted you get the house to stay in with Claire. It was your home too and he’d never take that from you.
“Come in” you hold the door open wider to let them in.
“I see the zoo wore her out” you chuckle lightly.
He turns towards you “Oh you know it. She loved every minute and then fell asleep before we even made it to the parking lot.”
You smile at that. He had sent you pictures of her and him throughout the day, melting your heart with every photo.
“I’m gonna put her down and then I’ll come down.”
You nod as you lean against the hallway wall.
He turns and heads to the stairs up to Claire’s room to put her down.
Your eyes never leave his figure until he turns the hall corner, out of sight.
You let out a breath you had been holding and make your way to the kitchen, bracing your hands on the counter with your head hanging down.
You don’t realize you haven't moved for a few minutes until a voice startles you.
“You okay?”
You look up and see Brendon in the doorway, a look of concern on his face.
A smile forces its way onto your face “Yeah, I’m good. Just tired. Want something to drink?”
He doesn’t look convinced by your answer but chooses to not address it.
“Sure, whatever you’ve got is fine.”
You turn to escape his intense observation and head for the cabinets.
As you go to grab glasses for drinks, Brendon notices a shine on your left hand.
Specifically your ring finger.
There's a ring.
Your wedding ring.
He hadn’t noticed it before, assuming you didn’t want the reminder.
A sliver of hope fills his chest.
This may be his only opportunity. He can’t pass it up.
He leans back against the kitchen counter, arms crossed.
“You still wear it?”
You continue to fix both drinks “Wear what?”
You can’t see him but he nods towards your hand.
“Your ring.”
Your movements still at his words. Slowly you pull your hand towards your chest and lightly twist it on your finger.
“Yeah. I…I do.”
You glance at Brendon, seeing his ring still on. You had looked for it the day after the separation and he had it on. He's had it on the whole time since then, which was months ago.
He braces his hands behind him on the counter “Why?”
You take a shaky breath, heart racing “I…” you still twist the ring around “Because I love you…. And I fucking miss you.”
The last part comes out in a whisper while your eyes fill with tears.
Brendon walks towards you slowly “I think you know how I feel.”
You turn to face him “I just…. I just wanted you to be here more. I wanted you here with me and Claire. We just wanted you.”
He gets close enough to rest a hand gently on your hip “I've missed you too. I miss having you both under the same roof every day. I know…. I know this is a long shot but could you ever forgive me?”
You look at him for a moment and then walk towards a kitchen drawer and pull some papers out, walking back over and handing them to him.
Brendon takes the papers and looks at the top, his stomach dropping as he reads ‘Divorce Agreement’.
“I haven't signed them...I don't want to…”
Brendon looks up at you, the little bit of hope getting bigger.
Your hand grabs his wrist lightly “You know that loving you was never the problem. I love you more than anything. But the way you work? I can't go through that again, Bren.”
He looks at you and nods “Yeah. Yeah I understand. I uh, I stopped working crazy hours. I might work late here and there but mostly according to my schedule. I wanted more time with Claire. And I...I’d love more time with you too.”
Your eyes widen slightly at the new information.
“You cut your hours?”
Brendon nods “I did. About two months after we, uh, separated.”
You take a step closer to him.
“Brendon,” you start “if this is going to work, I need things to stay consistent as much as it can. I don't want a roommate. I don’t want to beg for your time. I don’t want to compete with it. I want my husband. And Claire needs her dad. I won't jeopardize her needs and happiness.”
He nods his head quickly “I completely agree, sweetheart.”
The term of endearment slips out, one that was still ingrained in his vocabulary.
Only for you.
One that you missed.
“Give me a chance to prove it to you. To show that I’m making the changes.”
You nod as the tears start to fall “Don’t make me regret this Brendon. I can't go through this again.”
He quickly pulls you into a bone crushing hug.
You hug him back and he lets out a long breath as he breathes in your familiar scent. One that he’s missed having surround him everywhere.
Duos/couples who are perfect for each other because they make each other better || duos/couples who are perfect for each other because they make each other worse
