There's a metaphor about strikes and their relationship in there somewhere. . .

Once upon a time Tamra and Eddie and Vicki and Brooks were just two happy couples that went on vacation together.

Things leveled out on Tamra's birthday trip and the gang managed to have a great time at dinner (specifically once they found their hotel rooms). Over dinner they even learned Brooks ass or boobs preference (answer: both).

The couple that dines together, stays together.

Why does Vicki love Brooks? Perhaps it's because of the many affirmations he gives her.

Brooks even tagged along when it was time to support Gretchen's turn in The Pussycat Dolls.

When Vicki was working on tidying up her assets, Brooks was there to let her know that wherever she decided to live, he would be there to live with her.

When Briana eloped with Ryan, Vicki decided to throw a big bash -- leading many of the 'Wives wondering just what she was going to announce. Besides telling the world Briana was hitched, it also served as a perfect time to introduce her new manfriend to the family. Briana felt a touch awkward about the whole thing. See her make the best of it here.

Brooks, knowing that the best way to see Vicki is to visit her at work, brought Vicki lunch at her office. The pair did their best to sort out Briana's issues with Brooks and how they could move forward as a couple in the wake of their fight.

Seriously, see more of the chomper consultation. It's worth revisiting.

At the Season 7 reunion, the Housewives were ready to discuss all things Brooks. Gretchen wanted to know why Vicki was allowed to be a hypocrite now that she was dating. Vicki attempted to apologize, to no avail.

At the start of Season 8, Vicki was single and nervous about heading to group functions sans date. However, her solo status wouldn't last long -- and would always be called into question by the ladies.

Over dinner, Brooks and Vicki tried to forge ahead with their relationship, but Brooks was tired of doing his best to win Briana over. Vicki broke down mentioning that she felt pulled between the two. Brooks' response: it's Vicki's decision, and he can't be the one to decide who matters more to her.

Remember the time that Terry invited Brooks to Lydia's salsa party and shocked Vicki? The dancing might have helped rekindle their romance, but the spiciest revelation was Lauri saying that she had heard Brooks had been entertaining a young (very young) lady with some salacious ways.

In the wake of Lauri's accusations, Vicki went on a business trip with Brooks -- testing out the vodkas he encouraged her to create. Vicki confronted him about porn star kefuffle and his defense of them being broken up -- and that he didn't actually date this person was fine for her. For the moment they remained friends only.

At the Season 8 Reunion, Briana lobbied many an accusation at Brooks -- that he talked down to Vicki via text, that he goes by the nickname "Girth Brooks," and (most shockingly) that she has a tape of Brooks encouraging Ryan to hit her. The allegations put Vicki in a place to choose sides, but Brooks stepped in and "exiting stage right from this family." Watch his emotional break up with Vicki again here.