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[B][U]FLASHBACK[/u][/b]
Optional Read[/center]

Back in better times, Darius found himself behind the lens of his camera as he shot a picture of an array of mountain flowers off a dirt trail, he, his older brother John, and John’s girlfriend of four years, Erica were hiking on. Darius was the third wheel, but only because he had just started dating a woman he wasn't comfortable bringing around his brother just yet. Scaring her off by taking her on a double date with basically family might seem too fast for both her and Darius. But honestly, in the grand scheme of things, it almost didn’t matter The man’s relationships were fleeting at best.

[Color=darkgray]“Flowers? Really? You got a supermodel couple right in front of you and you're taking pictures of flowers?”[/color] John teased with a smirk on his face.

[color=lightblue]“You can’t tell the view isn’t nice. We may not literally be on top of the world, but I sure as hell feel like it. Don’t worry, bro, I got this.”[/color] Darius said as he looked his brother in the eyes with assurance. He knew how important today was for him. This wasn’t just some run of the mill hiking trip. John was going to finally pop the question to Erica.

[Color=darkgray]“Just don’t go and forget about us. Easy?”[/color]

[color=lightblue]“Easy!”[/color] Darius replied as the trio ventured up the trail. [color=lightblue][I]I love you bro, but fuck this hike. You couldn’t go to some fancy restaurant like a normal person? “I want to be doing something we both love to do.” But didn’t think about poor ol’ me. I guess I’ll pay him back at the wedding when I tell every embarrassing story I can muster up.[/i][/color]

As Darius trailed behind the couple enjoying one another's company, something pricked at him mentally as he looked upon their backs. Was it envy? He raised his camera and snapped a candid photo of the two. He smiled weakly and then looked to his side. No one.

Several minutes passed before John trailed back to walk with his brother. John knew Darius could play the third wheel role well, but he didn't want to leave him completely out. Besides, he felt that he needed to talk to him about some things.

[Color=darkgray]"I think I'm ready for some guy talk now. You know you should have invited that girl. I know you said it might seem like too much, but you gotta take risks sometimes man."[/color] John put a heavy hand on Darius' shoulder. 

[Color=lightblue]"Come on, I take risks. I started my own little business for crying out loud."[/color] Darius argued with a confident smirk. John mockingly nodded.

[Color=darkgray]"Yeah that's true, but that's because you knew you could. Doesn't really count… Listen, you have so much potential bro, and you hold yourself back and I don't know if it's because you're sca-"[/color]

[Color=lightblue]"I'm not scared!"[/color] Darius shrugged his brother's hand from his shoulder and raised his voice loud enough for Erica to turn around. There was a brief silence. [Color=lightblue]"Just drop it."[/color] Darius stated as he used his head to motion John to go ahead to accompany Erica. 

As much as he hated it, Darius knew John was right. As much as he hated being number two, he found comfort in not having many expectations. He didn't take risks.. he was safe. And that day, he watched his brother take the biggest risk he'd ever take. At the peak of the mountain, John proposed to Erica. The pictures were beautiful.