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ofstoriesandstardust · 2 years

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same mistakes pt. iii (bradley “rooster” bradshaw)

a/n: s/o to @roosterbrdshaw for inspiring a series that i’ve basically have entirely world built for for no reason other than i want to. this isn’t the last you’ll see of Rebel, her shenanigans with Coyote, or her relationship with Mav... that’s a promise. um, also i’m really nervous about this so i really hope i did her justice. i’ve seen all the comments and love both here and ao3, so even if i didn’t respond please know it warmed my heart to know everyone’s enjoyed this as much as i have

summary: in the aftermath of the mission, you realize it's time to stop running from your fears

main masterlist | top gun: maverick masterlist

pt. i | pt. ii

folks who wanted to be tagged (yes ik it’s tradition to put this at bottom, no i don’t care): @calsjack @n3ssm0nique @alana4610 @xinsonyax @fangirl-316 @kyramaximoff

warnings: i named the team Iron Daggers because it sounded cool, this series should’ve just been titled ‘justice for Coyote’, seriously Coyote is a Good Best Friend, bullying/hazing, mentions of vomiting, Rebel struggles to communicate her feelings in a healthy way (wonder who she learned that from), insecurities, swearing, Hangman gets a little bit of a redemption arc, i guarantee this is not going to go in the way you’re expecting it to, please appreciate my usage of Chiquitita or i will cry, soft Rooster for the win,

word count: 8,007

You were cutting it too close. You knew that. Knew that Cyclone and Warlock would be in behind you in a matter of seconds but wasn’t that what you wanted? To be the last one in so no one had a chance to talk to you, ask you how your three weeks leave was before debriefing would start?

You barely slid down in the seat next to Coyote before Warlock was calling everyone to attention and you stood, trying to catch your breath. You avoided the pointed looks of Coyote, curious glances from Phoenix and Bob, a disgruntled look from your father, and a mildly concerned look from Rooster. “At ease.” Cyclone called and you all returned to your seats. “Welcome back, Iron Daggers. It’s good to see you all well and alive. I trust you had a good three weeks of leave?” There were short nods from around the room, murmurs of confirmation. You thought back on your three weeks of leave that started in the Mojave Desert and ended with you in the house in San Diego alone and sighed. “Alright, we won’t have certain mission specifics or assignment details for another week or so, so given the failings of the last mission we’re gonna begin with going over where this team could improve from the mistakes made on the last mission. From there, we’ll do training and mission patterns to help solve these errors. Captain Mitchell?” Your Dad nodded, taking that as his cue to begin.

“Good morning, Iron Daggers. It’s good to see you all back. As Admiral Simpson said, we’re gonna begin with going over our last mission this team flew together. Remember, the goal is to bring you all home alive. Let’s begin.”

You heard them before you saw them and made a split second decision to duck into the bathrooms before any of them saw you. Not unlike the Iron Daggers, the Green Vipers were a loud, rowdy bunch. Everyone shouted over each other, demanding a chance to speak, a chance tor regale the others with how they were the best. For you, someone who learned to show her talent in the sky and not with her words, you didn’t fare well among these men and women. You were grateful Coyote saw something in his wingman his fellow squadron members couldn’t but without him, you would’ve asked for re-assignment a long time ago. The Green Vipers, particularly Raven and Shadow, prided themselves on pushing out pilots who couldn’t hang. Which is exactly why you wouldn’t ever let them know you were here, albeit hiding in the bathroom, heart pounding. You were only minutes ahead of the Iron Daggers and then there it was-

“Coyote!” Came Raven’s piercing voice. “Man, how have you been?” You heard the chatter through labored breaths as Coyote talked to his old squadron, and then introduced the Iron Daggers.

“Although, we are missing Rebel.” Coyote announced as he finished listing the roster of the team. You imagined your best friend swinging his head around, scanning for you and you almost would’ve laughed had your knuckles not been holding the sink so tightly they were turning white.

“Rebel? Your old wingman Rebel? Man, I thought you finally ditched her for someone better.” Came Shadow’s voice. Shadow and Raven were twins, brother and sister, and man, were they cruel. The ringleaders of all the hazing and bullying that took place on the Green Vipers with a CO just as cruel to match.

“Never, Shadow. Anyways, Admiral Thompson, this is our instructor-”

“Captain Pete Mitchell. We’ve met.” Came the cool voice of your old CO. There he was.

“Thompson.” A beat. “Admiral Thompson here is the reason I got shipped out to Bosnia.” You weren’t sure who your Dad was talking to in particular but that suddenly made a lot of things make sense.

“This morning, Rebel was almost late to instruction and for a minute there, we thought she abandoned us to go back to the Green Vipers.” Coyote joked, forever trying to keep the peace. Never, Coyote, you thought. Never.

“Man, come on you know we don’t want her.” Shadow said, laughing.

“What do you have against Rebel?” Came Rooster’s voice and you could hear the protectiveness in his voice, the same one you heard when you were 7 and Bradley was telling your elementary bully to back off, again when you were 16 and the boy who broke your heart wouldn’t leave you alone.

“She’s insufferably annoying. She never shuts up. For a team made of the stuff legends are built off of, I’m surprised y’all haven’t gotten rid of her yet.” Came Ghost’s voice and you almost swore. You’d been an official squadron for less than 24 hours and you were already having your reputation torn to goddamn shreds.

“She’s our teammate and a damn good pilot.” Came Phoenix’s measured voice, but there was an edge to it, one you’d learned to recognize from the young pilot, only used when she was defending her friends.

“Well, you can have her. We don’t want her back. The team’s better off without her.” Shadow cooly responded and you felt like you were gonna throw up. Never good enough, never good enough, never good enough...

“Don’t talk about my daughter that way.” Your Dad said, a clear edge to his voice and you could almost picture his stature changing, straightening himself up to his full height, ready to put these people in their place.

“Well, that explains a few things about her flying.” Admiral Thompson stated and your vision felt blurry. You had to get out of here, couldn’t hear anymore, couldn’t sit around to wait for your team to start agreeing.

“The hell’s that supposed to mean?” You expected your Dad to retort but recognized it as Coyote’s voice. Was Coyote really about to stand up to his old CO for you?

“Do you really trust her as your wingman, Lieutenant Machado?”

“With my life.” Came Coyote’s firm reply and-

Why the fuck was Raven cackling like that?

“Why would you make that kind of mistake?” The ringing in your ears took over as you ran for the toilet, barely making it as the sounds of vomiting filled the bathroom, making hearing the conversation outside impossible. As your stomach emptied and you began to dry heave over the toilet, you felt yourself began to tremble. You understand the implication of her words, even if your team mates didn’t. You knew that your Dad’s history with Goose had made it’s rounds throughout TOPGUN and the Navy. Your vision was blurry with tears as you thought about how best to escape the bathroom without being seen. You couldn’t face the Iron Daggers, face your Dad, after all that. Eventually, the noise outside bubbled over as the crowd grew. Damn, how long had you been in here...

You took a deep breath, and ensuring you weren’t gonna be sick again, you took a step back. After washing your hands and making sure it wasn’t obvious you'd just been throwing up, you took a deep breath and peeked out behind the door. A quick glance told you the Green Vipers were spread out throughout the bar, allowing for a quick escape. You made it out to the beach, knowing you were in no state to be heading home. It was a chilly evening and you were grateful you had grabbed your NAVY sweatshirt before heading out the door today as you pulled off your shoes and made your way down to the shore. You settled just out of reach of the tide as the breeze blew your hair around. You toes sunk into the sand and you drew random patterns as you tried to brush off what had just happened. Your Dad wasn’t responsible for Goose’s death and you had yet to put Coyote in a position that would make you responsible for his. The things they said hadn’t even been as bad as stuff they’d said to you while you were present, undermining your skills as a pilot and taking consistent shots at you as a person. The Green Vipers and Admiral Thompson were made of the worst that the military had to offer and by an unfortunate stroke of luck, you’d gotten stuck there. You squeezed your eyes shut again willing yourself not to cry. You were out, you’d never have to go back to the Green Vipers.

You weren’t sure how long you sat there, watching the night sky darken, but as you were mentally preparing yourself to get up and head home, someone settled next to you. You glanced over and saw that it was Rooster, holding out a beer. “Thanks.” you muttered, taking it gratefully.

“Saw you leave but you didn’t come back in. Thought you could use some company.” A beat of silence. “I met your old squadron today.” He mentioned, looking at you with the look that said I know you heard what they said. “They’re insufferably annoying.” You snorted, shaking your head. He chuckled, a smile gracing his face. “Glad to see I can make you laugh. Wasn’t sure what was going on with us since you left Mav’s place.” You shrugged, attention now back on your feet buried in the sand.

“You and Dad had some unfinished conversations you needed to have and I wanted to give you space for that.”

“You and I have some unfinished conversations we need to have.”

“We’re cool Rooster.” You said, taking a sip of your beer and avoiding eye contact with him.

“Are we? Because I keep getting the feeling that we’re not.” You sighed and turned back to look at him.

“What do you want from me here Rooster?”

“I don’t-”

“You can’t just not talk to me for years, spend years actively hating me, and then show up and think it’s gonna be fine and we can just go back to being friends. That’s not how this works, that’s not how any of this works.”

“I never hated you.”

“Whatever Rooster. You took all your anger with my Dad out on me and that’s not fucking fair. I didn’t do anything!”

“I know! I know, okay, but I’m in love with you. I’m fucking in love with you and I have been since you were 16. Okay-”

He- what?

“You’re in love with me?” The question had your mind reeling.

“I- I didn’t realize it until I was talking with your Dad at his hangar last week. And I guess I just- I know I didn’t handle anything the way I should’ve when Mom got sick. And especially not when Maverick pulled my papers. But I just felt so betrayed by the girl that I loved that I just-” He sighed. “I don’t know. I freaked. I’m sorry.” He said genuinely.

“Rooster, are- are you trying to fucking humilate me or something?”

“What are you talking about?” His confusion was clear but your anger was even more evident. He’d spent the last decade being angry, well, now it was your turn. You stood up, trekking back up the beach away from him.

“I can’t fucking believe you Rooster!”

“(Y/N)-”

“I would never betray you like that! You’ve known me longer than anyone besides my own father. You know I’d never do something like that. And to sit here and try and excuse and justify all of it by saying you’re in love with me? That’s some cheap cop-out.”

“(Y/N), it’s not a cop-out, it’s the truth.” You ignored him as you continued to move away from him, fully aware he was following you. “(Y/N), please, where are you going? Come back, let’s talk about this.” He called after you but you didn’t stop moving.

“Don’t, Rooster. Just- don’t.”

You slammed the locker shut, making Halo jump. “Sorry.” You muttered.

“Rough night?” She asked and you chuckled.

“Something like that.” You said, zipping up your flight suit. “I’ll see you out there.” She raised a hand as you left the locker room, right into an awaiting Coyote. “Hey Coyote.” You said and he pushed himself off the wall, following behind your fast stride in an attempt to get out of having this conversation with him. You had a lot to answer for with Coyote and you knew it.

“Why weren’t you at the Hard Deck last night?” He asked as you walked. You shrugged, not wanting him to know that you heard what the Green Vipers said, lest he agree with them and dump you to find a new wingman and leave you... wingman-less. You shook the thought from your brain as you rolled out your shoulders. And then- there was your Dad and Rooster talking, clearly engaged in an active discussion. You halted, wondering if you could lie and say you forgot something in the locker room and hide from these two. Coyote ran into you with your sudden stop and he grumbled. “Jesus woman, give a guy some warning.”

“Hey Rebel.” Came Hangman’s voice from behind you and you cringed. “You gonna fly like you want to be here today?” You turned, rolling your eyes. You briefly saw Maverick and Rooster look over to you (there went your plan of running) and watched as Payback, Fanboy, Phoenix, and Bob came up from behind Hangman.

“What’re you talking about Seresin?” You said tiredly. The last thing you wanted was to put up with Hangman’s shit right now.

“Well, it’s just that yesterday, you were flying like you'd didn’t want to be here. And well, quite frankly, there’s someone ready to replace you, so get out and make room if you’re not gonna try.” You stared at Hangman, highly debating on finally following through on smacking him when Rooster intervened.

“Man, Hangman, shut up.” Rooster called, coming to stand next to you. “No one wants to hear your garbage.” Phoenix snorted as she stood next to Hangman, giving him the side eye. “Oh, would you be quiet?” You snapped at Rooster.

“The fuck did I do?”

“You know what you did and that I’m mad at you. Go away.” You said, waving your hand at him.

“Mad at me? What-”

“Alright, that’s enough!” Your Dad said, moving in between the three of you. “We’re a team, so we’re gonna all start acting like it. Do you understand me?” Hangman and Rooster nodded, albeit with evident hesitation, but you stared at your Dad, scoffing. “You got a problem with that Rebel?” You shook your head, knowing the use of your callsign was a low-blow.

“You know what, actually, yes I do.”

“Is this all because you'd didn’t get selected for the mission?” Your Dad asked, clearly exasperated, and you laughed darkly.

“Yeah, it is.” Your Dad sighed.

“(Y/N), you and I both know that Rooster was the best choice as my wingman for that mission.”

“Why? What is it about my flying that makes me so much less than Rooster?”

“It’s not about being less than-”

“Oh, c’mon, we all know you’re trying to make up for pulling Rooster’s fucking papers.”

“Okay, you know what? I didn’t select you for the mission, because you’re a reckless pilot.”

“Oh, and you’re so much better?”

“Yeah, but when I’m reckless as a pilot, the only person I put in danger is myself. When you’re reckless, you don’t put just yourself in danger but you put your teammates in danger and for this mission, we couldn’t have that.”

“Oh, c’mon, you make me sound like Hangman! I’ve never left my wingman behind or haven't had their back, ask Coyote. Give me one good example of when my reckless flying put someone else in danger and I’ll let it all go.” He didn’t answer you, just stared at you and despite yourself, you laughed. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.” You took a deep breath, trying to steady yourself for the next words you were going to throw. “Admit it. I will never be good enough.”

“(Y/N), that’s not-”

“Don’t lie to me, I see it in your eyes. How I will never live up to you, or Goose, or Ice, or now Rooster.”

“That’s enough.” Coyote said, pulling you back. Your chest rose rapidly as you looked at the heartbreak crossing your Dad’s face. Your words were meant to kill, but you weren’t done.

“I did it all for you, you know.” You said, gesturing around to your squadron, meaning your history as part of the Navy and your past at TOPGUN. “I never really wanted any of this, but I did it all in the hopes that one day you would look at me the way you do him.” Your Dad grimaced as you pushed past him. And then you stopped turning, back around. “I hope your choice was worth it because it just cost you your relationship with your kid.” And then- “Then again, you seem to already have one. Don’t need me getting in the way.”

For the second night in a row, you found yourself sitting out staring out at the ocean. For another night, you were contemplating your future with the Navy and with the Iron Daggers. You weren’t sure if you could face any of them ever again after what had happened today, but then again, you weren’t certain your relationship with your Dad would ever recover either. They were hollow words, ones you weren’t sure you even really believed, but you’ve spent so long being second to Rooster that now him being back in the picture like he hadn’t told your Dad no one would mourn him- it unsettled you. You didn’t know how to deal with any of it, how to take any of it back. You had said the words and now, you couldn’t unsay them, couldn’t change what they had done to your Dad. “Rebel.” A voice called and you turned to see Hangman holding two beers. He offered you one and you took it. “It’s a peace offering.” You raised your eyebrow and he sighed.

“Hangman, are you... are you being nice to me?”

“I saved your Dad’s life, the least I could do is try and extend some kindness to you as well.” He said and you snorted. “I’m sorry about this morning, I didn’t realize I’d produce such a reaction.” You didn’t respond, taking a sip of your beer and he continued. “I’m also sorry about being a dick to you. I didn’t realize it until this morning but you and I are more similar than I ever thought.” You snorted and he laughed lightly. “I’m serious! We both have dads we’ll probably spend the rest of our lives trying to prove our worth to.” You sighed.

“I’m sorry for saying your Dad didn’t love you.” He chuckled. “I’m serious, when I take aim like that, I mean to kill and it’s a problem.”

“Feisty lil’ firecracker, are we? Wonder where you got that from...” You outright laughed at that and he gave you a smile in return. “I kind of deserved that one though. Needed someone to call me out on my shit.” He said, taking a sip of his beer. “And you were right, about being intimidated by your skills. You’re a good pilot, Rebel, but you- you seem to be the only one who can’t see it.” He said, taking a sip of his own beer and looking at you honestly. You sighed, feeling the condensation of the bottle wet your hands.

“God, I wish Ice was here.” You muttered, putting the bottle down in the sand and pressing the palms of your hands to your eyes. You felt Hangman study you for a moment. “My Dad’s never gonna forgive me.”

“I doubt that one. Like everything else, you don’t seem to see it but you could murder Admiral Simpson and your Dad would help you bury the body.” You snorted at that, imagining that conversation. “Look, we’ve all had our fair share of moments. Lord knows Rooster has tried to kill me more than once. No one’s gonna hold it against you.”

“Dad will.”

“He won’t. Especially not if you tell him why you freaked so bad.”

“I don’t even totally know why I freaked like that.” He sighed.

“Well, you wanna try and talk about everything that’s been going on?” You nodded, already feeling the tears prick at your eyes.

“God, I can’t believe I’m about to pour my heart out Hangman of all people.” You joked, wiping at your eyes. He laughed, slinging his arm around your shoulder.

“Look at us, Hondo would be so proud.” He joked and the two of you clinked beers, laughing. A comfortable silence settled in and you took a deep breathe, wondering where to start.

“My Mom left us when I was two.” You muttered quietly. “She left not long before Rooster’s Dad died, and I don’t remember her much but there aren’t any good memories. And that kind of insecurity, the fear that one day everyone would leave, that shit started young. Because I was two and the only thing I had to do was be cute, and she just- left.” The sincerity on Hangman’s face as he listened encouraged you to keep going. Words that you’d never admitted out loud, to anyone, were surfacing. “And- I don’t know. My Dad tried so hard to be a father for Rooster that sometimes it felt like I was getting left out accidentally. My Dad tried so hard to make up for Goose not being there that somehow I got left in the dust. I think Ice saw it, a little bit. At least saw how I was feeling because he tried to get Dad to see it, but Dad being Dad, just doubled down and started dragging me to all the things he was doing with Rooster despite the fact that at 8 and 11 and 13 and 16, I still didn’t give two shits about a goddamn plane. And don’t get me wrong, now I love being here and flying, but that wasn’t always the case, and selfishly, the reason I did all of this wasn’t entirely because I wanted to.”

“Why go all the way to TOPGUN then? Genuinely asking, because the shit they put us through, this isn’t just something you do for fun.” You shrugged, tapping the rim of your beer bottle as your thought about it. Why had you joined the Navy?

“The legacy.”

“What do you mean?” Hangman asked and you sighed. Way back when, you and Rooster had talked about The Legacy. You two understood from a very young age what was expected and what was thought of you. Nobody outside the two of you would understand and so you just never made an effort to explain it.

“From what I know about Goose, he was an amazing RIO. Just the best pilot and the best man. And with Ice, I mean, yeah he was my godfather and the man who kept me steering straight when I wanted to crash the metaphorical plane, but he was also a highly decorated Admiral who's earned so much respect from every part of the military that- how does one even start to compete?” Hangman laughed.

“Yeah, I could see how carrying on Admiral Kazansky’s legacy could be a tad bit intimidating.”

“A tad?” You asked sarcastically and he laughed harder. You let out a chuckle of your own, knowing Ice was yelling at you from wherever he was that you were never expected to live up to him. “Yeah, and then there’s Dad. Depending on who you talk to, they either want to be him or beat the shit out of him. Every military official either expected me to fuck up like him or fly like him, and when you don’t pull off the feats Dad’s known for, people began to get disappointed with the product in front of them. And it’s not Dad’s fault, but I just- somewhere along the line I started to wonder if maybe I wasn’t good enough to live up to the pressure of the Ice-Goose-Maverick legacy. I started to wonder if everyone was one day going to see what my Mom must’ve all those years ago and leave, recognize that I’m worth less than what I pretend to be. And so, when I got re-assigned from the Green Vipers –– who were goddamn awful, by the way, and did not help this issue at all –– for this mission, I thought- maybe here’s my chance. Here’s my chance to prove that I’m good enough, that I can fulfill the legacy. And then Dad picked Rooster and it felt like all my worst fears and been confirmed in that moment, that I would always fail.” You sighed, trying to take a deep breath to steady yourself. “Yeah, of course now I know that Rooster was the best choice and if my Dad would’ve picked me, he may not have come home because God knows I wouldn’t have been brave enough to turn around and- I don’t know. Rooster proved to everyone a long time ago he could fulfill the legacy, but man I always- I always fall just short. Guess I just realized that I was always doomed to fail, that no matter what I did, I would never be... enough.”

“(Y/N), that’s not- that’s not true.” You whipped around to see your Dad standing on the beach, a sullen look on his face.

“Dad-”

“Hangman, will you give us a minute?” He nodded and stood up.

“Hangman, don’t you dare leave me here.” You called and he looked at you sheepishly.

“Sorry, Rebel, but I think you and your Dad got some things to talk about.” And with that, Hangman’s back was turned and was headed back up towards the Hard Deck. You silently cursed him as you turned back around, drinking your beer in hopes your Dad would just... go away. That was not what happened though, as your Dad pulled your arm to get you to stand and turned you to face him. He put his hands on your shoulders and you willed yourself not to flinch, not to take a few steps back, and to face the consequences of what you had done.

“How much of that did you hear?”

“Enough.” You sighed, softly, fiddling with a ring on your finger as you looked at him. He looked guilty and upset and disappointed. “I need you to listen to me and it’s very important that you listen to me carefully.” He said, eyes piercing through your soul. You willed yourself not to shrink back, to make yourself small. “I clearly don’t say this enough. (Y/N), I love you and I am endlessly proud of you. You could tell me tomorrow you’re taking a dishonorable discharge from the Navy and I’d still be proud of you. I know that being my kid could not have been easy. Lord knows you weren’t dealt a fair set of cards.” He takes a moment to really look at you, to make sure the words were registering in your brain. Mom leaving. The dark days after Goose died. Carole getting sick. Bradley leaving. Bosnia. Afghanistan. “And yet, you’ve always taken everything I’ve thrown at you in stride. The constant deployments, the hospital trips, moving, I- I know it couldn't have been easy. And I’m sorry.”

“Dad, you don’t have to-”

“No, clearly, I do.” The guilt at that went straight through you as your knees buckled.

“No, Dad, really-”

“I’m not done.” He said, effectively cutting you off. “You’re right that Goose was and amazing pilot. You’re also right about Ice. But neither of them, nor I, would want you to feel like you had to live up to any sort of legacy.”

“Dad-”

“I’m sorry if I ever made you feel that way. And I’m sorry that I didn’t select you for the mission. You’re an amazing pilot, but I needed to keep you safe. I needed you to be able to come home. And even if that choice cost me you, I would make it over and over again. Because you’re still here and that’s all I could ask for.”

“Dad-”

“I have one more thing to say and then I promise you can say whatever else you need to.” You raised your hands in surrender and he sighed, letting go of you shoulders and taking a step back. “You’re right that Bradley is my kid at this point. But never would he come before you. You have and always will be my number one priority. Your safety and happiness has always been at the top of my list, even if I don’t always show it. And I’m sorry I wasn’t a better father to you growing up. I mean, with Bradley it was easy, because he wanted to fly and be like me and Goose, and it was simple. I think it was difficult because I knew Bradley had Carole at the end of the day but with you, it was just me. It was all up to me. And that’s not an excuse for not being better as a parent. I’m sorry. I love you and I’m proud of you and I’ll say it every day from here on out if I have to for you to believe. If you don’t want to have a relationship with me moving forward that’s your choice kiddo, and I’ll respect it. But it won’t change how much I love you.” You sighed, feeling like you’d royally fucked up.

“Dad, it wasn’t that you were a bad parent. Or that you failed me. It’s just- it’s got very little to do with you and everything to do with the pressure. I know Ice would strangle me if he heard half of what I said tonight, as would Rooster, but I just- it’s difficult to explain because it’s something that’s built over the years.”

“We’ve got time.”

“I know you’re proud of me. I know I’m a priority. I know why I didn’t get chosen for the mission and I know what kind of position that put you in. I know that Ice would kill me if he knew for one second that I felt like I had to live up to his legacy, but it’s just- this unspoken expectation from every officials part. They judge me before I ever get in the sky and when it’s not what they’re expecting, they aren’t afraid to tell me. And then people talk and suddenly, because you didn’t meet some pre-determined set of expectations, you’re a failure. And after a decade of Navy service, doing this same old song and dance with every squadron, it starts to wear on you. And I just- it boils over and I took it out on you and I’m sorry. I didn’t mean those awful things that I said, because I do love flying and I do love being here, having you as my instructor, I just- I’m sorry.” Your Dad sighed, pulling you into a hug as you began to cry.

“It’s okay, kiddo, it’s okay.”

“It’s not.”

“Yeah, it is.” He said, chuckling. “I’m your parent, you can take whatever you need out on me. But don’t take it out on Coyote, don’t take it out on Rooster.” You sniffed, wiping away some of your tears as you pulled away.

“Yeah, Coyote and I need to have a talk. But I’m really fucking mad at Rooster.”

“I’m gonna ask you a serious question: If he can get over what I did, why can you not get over what he did? I’m genuinely asking because I feel like maybe I’m missing something here.” You sighed.

“Because he can never, never take full responsibility for what icing me out. There’s always some reason or justification or cop-out-”

“Like that he’s in love with you?” You paused, eyes narrowed.

“How do you know about that?”

“I heard about your little argument out here last night.”

“Motherfucker.” You whispered.

“(Y/N), he is. It’s not a cop-out or an excuse. It’s the truth. I know you, and I know what’re you doing here. This goes beyond what happened when I pulled his papers.” You sighed, throwing your arms up in the air.

“I can’t believe I’m being lectured right now.”

“I’m not lecturing you, I’m holding you accountable. Bradley deserves an honest conversation from you.” You sighed again, looking at your Dad. “I think you have some things of your own that you need to figure out, some questions you need to answer.”

“Like what?”

“What are you running from?”

Coyote pulled the door of the Hard Deck open, shouldering it so you could walk in. You smiled at him and looked around, only seeing Hangman, Fanboy, and Payback in the back at the pool table, not exactly playing. You walked past the bar, waving to Penny. “Hey, the two you know my rule about outside food and drink.” She said, pointing a warning finger at you.

“Told you.” You muttered as Coyote sighed and leaned up against the bar.

“Penny, she was crying, I didn’t know what else to do.” Cry you had. You’d gotten in Coyote’s car after training today, promising you’d talk to him about everything that had been going on and just... broke down. Everything came pouring out of you and Coyote hadn’t known what else to do with but try and fix it with dessert.

Penny looked at you and sighed. You weren’t sure what was going on with her and your Dad these days but you had no doubt she’d heard about the events of the last few weeks.

“Fine. Just this once.” Coyote shot her an award-winning smile as he made his way to the jukebox. You headed for the pool table as Fanboy groaned.

“Coyote, man don’t be turning that on. Can’t we listen to something from this century before Rooster and Maverick get here?” The beginning chords of ABBA’s ‘Chiquitita’ began to play. “Apparently not.” He muttered and you chuckled.

“Machado, what are you doing?” Hangman asked wearily, and you turned to see Coyote beginning to sing along to the song as he moved towards you. You groaned.

Chiquitita, tell me what’s wrong

You’re enchained by your own sorrow

In your eyes there is no hope for tomorrow

“Coyote, please don’t tell me you’ve started taking pages out of Mitchell and Bradshaw’s books.” Payback joked and you cringed as Penny snickered. This couldn’t be happening.

How I hate to see you like this

There is no way you can deny it

I can see that you’re oh so sad, so quiet

Coyote was now dancing through the empty bar as you exchanged a look with Hangman. Neither of you were entirely sure what was happening.

Chiquita, tell me the truth

I’m a shoulder you can cry on

Your best friend, I’m the one you must rely on

Coyote continued to serenade as he moved towards you. When he reached a pause in the song, he whispered “I’m not stopping until you laugh.” You rolled your eyes as he moved back out to the empty bar floor.

You were always sure of yourself

Now I see you’ve broken a feather

I hope we can patch it up together

Being personally serenaded by Coyote to an old ABBA song, one you and Rooster used to sing in the kitchen as kids as your parents cooked dinner was not how you expected to spend your evening and you weren’t sure if you would laugh or start crying again.

Chiquitita, you and I know

How the heartaches come and they go and the scars they’re leavin’

You’ll be dancing once again and the pain will end

You would have no time for grievin’

You hid your face in your hands as he continued to sing. He pulled your arms away from your face and out into the middle of the empty bar as he tried to get you to dance with him.

Chiquitita, you and I cry

But the sun is still in the sky and shinin’ above you

Let me hear you sing once more like you did before

Sing a new song, Chiquitita

Your face burned red as you smiled at him. You had to give it to him for really trying.

So the walls came tumbling’ down

And your love’s a blown out candle

All is gone and it seems too hard to handle

Chiquitita, tell me the truth

There is no way you can deny it

I see that you’re oh so sad, so quiet

Finally, as the outro of the song began to play, you laughed and gave in to Coyote’s wishes, dancing with him. It wasn’t graceful by any means, and the type of dancing blackmail material was made of (something you were sure Hangman would remind you of later) but it had done it’s job and you felt more carefree than you had since before the re-assignment to the Iron Daggers. As the song ended, and Dancing Queen began to play, you found yourself bent over in laughter, Coyote clutching onto you so you didn’t topple over. Penny was laughing at you from behind you and you were sure the other three would regale the team with an in-depth, detailed (possibly over-exaggerated) version of the story later but you didn’t care. You were breathless as you moved back to the pool table, Coyote accepting the pool cue from Hangman as Payback set up the game. You grabbed a stool, sitting off to the side as you finished your frozen yogurt. You could hear Payback giving Coyote a little bit of shit, but he shrugged it off. “Man, if I got my best friend to smile, cheer her up even a little, I did my job.”

“Oh yeah, how’d your conversation with Pops go last night?” Hangman asked and you snickered at his usage of his nickname for your Dad. He was trying to be nonchalant but you knew he cared more than he’d ever openly admit. You shrugged.

“It went okay. He really wants me to talk to Rooster.”

“I second that.” Coyote said, leaning over the table to take his shot. You groaned.

“What if he doesn't forgive me?”

“Than that says more about Bradshaw then it does you. C’mon, you said it yourself, that life isn’t so simple. There’s a complicated history here and if Bradshaw expects it to all go away just because admitted that he’s in love with you, then he’s got another thing coming to him.”

“Rooster finally admitted he’s in love with you? Man, you so owe me money.” Fanboy exclaimed, looking over at Payback. You rolled your eyes at them, flipping them off. Payback took out his wallet, slapping a twenty in Fanboy’s hand and you chuckled, shaking your head.

“But Bradshaw also deserves to know how you feel about him and you can’t deny how you feel about him. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but the two of you have to start somewhere and you gotta stop running from these conversations with him.” Hangman added and you raised an eyebrow at him.

“The fuck would you know about my feelings for Rooster?” He laughed.

“Rebel, people who aren’t in love with their childhood best friends don’t look at their childhood best friends the way you do Bradshaw.”

“I don’t look-”

“Yes you do.” Came the combined voices of Coyote, Hangman, Payback, Fanboy, and Penny.

“Penny!” You exclaimed and she laughed at you.

“Tell you what, sweetheart. I’ll give you an example. Your Dad looks at me the way Rooster looks at you.”

“Let me guess, I look at Rooster the way you do my Dad?” She chuckled, nodding.

“As always, you’d be right.” You groaned at her words.

“Feelings are gross!” You exclaimed and she continued to laugh.

“You are your father’s daughter.”

“Penny, if you were anyone else, I would flip you off.” She laughed again.

“I know.” A silence fell over the bar as you weighed everyone’s words while the boys played pool. Payback finally groaned, breaking the silence.

“Damn it Rebel, why couldn’t have you said it first?”

You took a deep breath, opening the backdoor to the Hard Deck, where Rooster stood. He looked over at you as you shut the door behind you. “Hey.” You whispered and he smiled, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Whatcha you doing?”

“Just thinking.”

“Thinking bout what?”

“You.” He said with such honesty in his eyes, you almost found yourself shrinking back. No, you could do this. “Sorry, that was-”

“No, we-” A particularly loud cheer erupted from the dartboard and the two of you turned, watching Hangman and Coyote launch into each other in celebration. “You wanna go for a walk?” He nodded.

“Yeah, let’s go.” The two of you headed for the beach, and began walking along the surf, hands brushing.

“Rooster, I-”

“Rebel, we-”

“No, you go.” You both said and then laughed, looking away from each other.

“I’ve talked enough, and I fuck it up every time I do so you can start.” You sighed, feeling a pang of guilt shot through you.

“Bradley, I’m sorry.” You whispered. The use of his real name caught his attention. “I’m sorry for freaking out on you the other night, I was just- still mad I guess, and scared.”

“It’s okay to be scared, I just- why did you feel like you had to run from me?” You shrugged.

“I don’t know, we’ve gone so long without speaking to each other, I didn’t know how to be around you again. And then you’re saving my Dad’s life by sacrificing your own and then confessing that you loved me I just- I didn’t know how to handle it.”

“You know how you said I’ve known you longer than anyone besides your Dad?”

“Yeah?”

“I’ve known you long enough to know you’re full of shit.”

“I’m not-”

“What are you running from?” He asked, looking at you so honestly you almost froze. You sighed. “Why does the idea that someone loves you scare you so bad?”

“It doesn’t-”

“(Y/N).” He sighed softly. Your real name made you stop and he faced you fully, the ocean tide washing over your feet. You shrugged, crossing your arms.

“Because how I know how this ends.”

“And how does it end?”

“It ends one of two ways. We either end up like my parents, one of us storming out and never coming back or we end up like yours, when one of us doesn’t come home.”

“Why does it have to end up like that? Why can’t it end like how it did for Sarah and Ice?”

“I think they’re the exception rather than the rule.”

“(Y/N), it’s okay to be scared. After the shit you’ve been through, I think it’s more than fair to be scared and nervous. But don’t push me out because I’m in love with you.”

“Rooster-”

“I’m going to ask you a question and you have to promise me that you’ll answer it honestly.”

“Okay.” He gives you a look.”I promise!” He holds out his pinky finger and you sigh. “Are we seven?” He looks at his extended pinky seriously and then back at you. “Okay, fine.” You say, holding your pinky out, linking the two fingers together. He takes his thumb and kisses it, and you do the same, and pressed the thumbs together, something you’ve done since you were kids to ensure the pinky promise would be sealed.

“Are you in love with me?”

“Bradley-”

“You promised you'd answer honestly.” You sighed, biting your lip, the feeling of the salty ocean water washing over your feet, calming you.

“I’ve been in love with you since I was 17, you stupid boy.” You whispered, looking at the lights of the Hard Deck in the distance. “But-”

“But?” He prompted. “I want to hear what you have to say.”

“But I’m afraid that we’re doomed to always make the same mistakes. That we’ll never get it right.” He sighed and grabbed your hand, making to move back down the beach. “You know when I got here, I promised myself that we’d do things right this time and yet-”

“We keep fucking up?”

“Something like that.” He laughed softly, the feeling of him softly rubbing his thumb into your hand comforting you. “I don’t want to lose you again.”

“You’re not gonna lose me again. I promise. I pinky promise.” He said, and you laughed, falling into his side a bit as you walked.

“So what now?”

“Well to start, I’m gonna do something I should’ve done a long time ago.”

“Bradley, what’re you-” His hand snaked up from your waist to your neck as he kissed you softly. You let your hand fall out of his other, hand coming to rest on his neck and the back of his head. You didn’t want the kiss to end. He finally pulled away, leaving his forehead resting on yours. “Look at that, you finally got something right.” You muttered and he blew out a laugh.

“Only took me some 30-odd years, huh?” You snorted, playing with his hair on the nape of his neck.

“So what happens now?”

“Why do you keep asking that? Can’t you just enjoy the moment?”

“How long have you known me again?” He laughed as he began to press kisses down your jawline and onto your neck. You relished in the feeling as he hummed softly.

“What happens next is” kiss “I bring you flowers” kiss “and take you out” kiss “on a nice date” kiss “and bring you home” kiss “by curfew” kiss “and after a few dates” kiss “we become official” kiss “and then” kiss “we become” kiss “boyfriend” kiss “and” kiss “girlfriend” kiss “because this time” kiss “we’re getting things right”.

“Sounds like a lot of effort.” You joked and he looked up at you, the familiar mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Darling, for you, I’d do just about anything.”

The two of you slipped back in through the back doors of the Hard Deck, noticing your friends were still by the dartboard, having a grand old time. The two of you rejoined them, noticeably happier than you’d been since your re-assignment. If the team noticed Bradley’s hand on your waist or the way you leaned into his side, no one said anything. And if the two of you happened to see your team fess up a fair bit of money to Maverick, then the two of you pretended not to notice. And if Maverick happened to catch the way Bradley kissed you goodnight after dropping you off from the kitchen window, then he most certainly didn’t chuckle to himself and think about how proud Goose and Carole would be that the two of you finally got it right.

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hotpotrandomfics · 3 years

Text

Fifth Year Summer AU: A Tropical Journey to my Boyfriend

Summary: Merula and some her companions have been invited to visit Jason in the Dominican Republic. However, the Great Snyde must face her greatest task yet. Jason’s mother.

Word Count: 5,600

The school year had come to a close, and all the students of Hogwarts had all headed home. Merula had made friends with Jason friends one at a time. They had bonded with each other in the last few months of school and had become friends themselves. Merula actually had planned to hang out with Penny during some of the summertime they were off. Mainly because the two had a plan.

"So do you think he'll be surprised, Penny?" Merula asked as she looked through her suitcase, making sure she had everything necessary packed. "It's not weird if we show up, right?"

"No, why would it?" Penny said as she checked her hair in her mirror.

"We have only been together for a few months. So I'm still nervous about him and me being so close. I mean we are talking traveling to the other side of the planet here!" Merula looked at her as she flopped down on the ground groaning. "I mean, this would be the first time I would meet his mother! What if she doesn't like me or she thinks I'm not pretty enough for him. Penny, you know Jason is a knockout, and his little fan club went mad when I took their idol!"

Merula kept going on and on about how nervous she was about this secret trip she and the rest of the curse breakers had planned. The whole reason being is Jason's parents had divorced, and his parents had agreed to shared custody despite their constant bickering that he should stay with one or the other. But Jason made it clear to his parents he'd rather be on his own if his parents couldn't compromise. If not with each other at least for his sake.

"Merula, I'm sure it'll be fine. Remember, you're the girl who bagged the best guy at Hogwarts!" Penny patted Merula shoulder, giving her a thumbs up. "Trust me, plus once Jason gets a load of you in all these cute outfits, there is no way his mum is gonna argue against this. Or is the self-proclaimed best witch of Hogwarts too scared of her future mother-in-law?"

"I'm not scared!" Merula snapped out of her little funk. "W-who would be scared of that? I'm not!"

"Merula, your shaking like a leaf. Everything will play out, and we'll have a good time. His mum knows we are coming with a few more. Rowan, Ben, and Barnaby are coming with us too- oh look at the time!" Penny shouted as she looked at her watch slightly panic. "If we don't hurry, we'll miss the port key!"

Without a moment's hesitation, the girls finished their packing and made their way to the port key location. The girls were taken by Penny's parents to the local train station and had traveled to an old train station frequented by wizards. The two met with their friends at the coastline where a man stood with an old fisherman outfit and staff. He pulled a pocket watch from his pocket as the five of them made their way to him.

"Payment and passports?" the old man asked as the teens stood in front of him.

Each of them pulled a few Galleons and their passports, paying him as he inspected their passports. After a few moments, the old man smiled as he was satisfied with the amount of coin he weighed in his hand.

"Alright, go ahead and grab the pot," the man directed them.

The friends laid their hands on the pot, waiting as the old man counted down. They all shook with anticipation waiting for their little "flight" to take place.

Five. Four. Three. Two. One...

As the old man uttered the last number, the kids were sucked into a cyclone, pulling them into the shoe as they screamed, not of fear. But out of pure excitement, they never traveled by port key, so their expectations weren't let down. After a few moments of screaming the group of friends landed on the sandy ground. They groaned as they stood up, dusting themselves and looking around themselves: Sun, palm trees, mountains in the distance, and the buzzing of the local town behind them.

"Wow, this place is beautiful," Merula said as she gazed at their new surroundings. "So exactly how are we going to Jason's place from here?"

Just then, a pearl white limousine rolled up next to the group with a tanned elderly man dressed in an elegant suit and gloves.

"Senor Rowan. Senor Ben. Senor Barnaby. Senora Penny and Senora Merula. Welcome to the Dominican Republic," he bowed with one hand across his chest, "I am Manuel, your guide and the head butler for the De Leone family. Dominar Jason's mother's side of the family. If you, please follow me." Manuel drew his wand, lifting their suitcases, and guided them into the trunk of the limousine.

"Well, that's how," Rowan said as he and the rest of them entered the rear of the limousine.

Inside of it, the interior was tanned coffee leather with a minibar toward the front section, with a raised roof with shelves of different forms of alcohol and coffee beans. Five goblets of water flew into the passenger's hands. It was impressive to see the progress of magic and the combination of muggle technologies. The car began to move as the friends watch the city pass by and they made twists and turns till they reached a narrow alley wall, plowing through a building as the group of teens screamed but then the car phased through the wall.

They were now in the wizard city of Pueblo Leona, a port town famous for one of the best Quidditch teams in South America, resorts, cliff diving, and the hometown of the De Leone family. As they drove through the town, they stopped at a large golden gate with two lion statues that stood fifteen feet tall. The statue's head followed the car as the gates opened, and the limousine pulled in front of the manor before them. It stood three stories tall, designed in the form of a Mediterranean with white marble columns with blue and gold accents to the edges at the bases of the walls. The roof was made of wood and polished to the point it reflected the light of the sun.

Manuel stepped out, holding the door of the car as the teens stepped out and looked at the mansion in awe.

"Jason said his family was wealthy..." Rowan said as he stared at the building in awe.

"No, kidding. How does anyone find their way around a place like that?" Penny chimed in.

"I hope we don't get lost," Ben muttered as they followed Manuel into the demesne.

The ceilings were raised high with polished wooden beams mounted with golden chandeliers and a central staircase with an azure carpet draping the stairs. The walls were decorated in paintings of the sea, port towns, and ships. As Manuel was explaining the layout, the head of the house came down the stairs. A woman who'd worn a blue sundress, with golden bracelets on either wrist and a necklace made of gold. Her skin was bronze with dark brown hair and blue eyes. She was around the same as Merula, Jason's mother, Thalia De Leone.

"Hello, welcome," Thaila said with a gentle smile, "I hope the drive wasn't too rocky. Let me see if I get this right, Penny?"

"Yes, ma'am! It's a pleasure," Penny smiled brightly.

"Ben?"

"H-hello ma'am," Ben stuttered as he stared at the woman. "I am Ben C-Copper..."

"You're right Penny, and he does seem nervous. You needn't be worried mi nino." Thaila laughed as she continued. "Barnaby?"

"That's me!" Barnaby laughed.

"Energetic, quite nice. You are Rowan?"

"A pleasure ma'am, your son is-"

"You're his best friend, I know. Thank you for watching him." She nodded then turned her gazed to Merula. Studying the girl carefully invading her personal space. "And you..."

"Hello, Miss De Leone. I'm M-Merula Snyde," she muttered. What was with her, she thought. Usually, adults didn't intimidate her, but this one did oddly. Her bubbly demeanor and the analyzing look she had in her eyes were similar to eyes she knew too well.

"Merula Snyde. Hmm, you bullied my baby boy, and yet," Thaila's expression turned severe.

"I um..."

"But," she grinned and pulled her into a tight hug. "You made my boy smile!"

"Miss De Leone! You're crushing me!" Merula coughed as she was mumbling confused.

"Oh sorry! And dear, call me Thaila. Or mom." Thaila let Merula go as she rubbed the back of her head like Jason. Yep, they were related. "Ah, Jason should be out on the veranda in the back. Warning though, he doesn't know you're here. So you gotta be sneaky."

The group nodded in unison as they followed Thaila through the home. They gazed at the artwork and architecture in amazement. The detail was so subtle and precise that it would sin to touch even the walls. As they approached the double doors leading to the back they saw the young man they had all been looking forward to seeing.

Jason was sitting at a table sipping away some coffee while reading a book with his free hand. He wore his necklace Merula had gotten him for Christmas while a black v-neck, ripped jeans, and his hiking boots. How he wore that in hot weather was anyone's guess. He seemed too invested in noticing the door opening. But something did catch his attention, a particular scent that sent him over the edge — the aroma of fresh mountain air with the hints of lavender and nail polish.

"Jason, I have a surprise for you-" Thaila began speaking but was through off when her son jumped over the table and tackling Merula. "Jason Piscius Aurelius De Leone! Do not jump over the tables!"

"Ah! Jason!" Merula squealed as Jason lifted her and spun her around almost slinging her into their friends who had to dodge out of the way. "P-put me down, you knucklehead!" She laughed as her boyfriend pulled her into a hug but started to blush when she realized everyone was staring.

"Oh, sorry!" Jason placed her down while looking at his friends and giving them all hugs with the same amount of happiness. "What are you all doing here?"

"Well, we came to see you. Isn't it obvious?" Rowan laughed as he tapped his friend in the chest.

"I orchestrated the whole thing with your mum. I hope that's okay." Penny laughed as she hugged Jason sided.

"Really now? Gracias ma," Jason turned to his mother, smiling at him.

"Of course. I must say though," she looked at Merula and nodded in approval. "You got a good taste in women. She reminds me a little bit of me when I was younger."

"Haywood!" Merula cheeks started turning red as she wrapped her arms around Jason's arm. "How long are you gonna hold on to my boyfriend, hmmm?"

"Oh! Sorry, Merula!" Penny let go laughing as let Jason go. "She is similar to me in that regard," Thaila laughed. "I was a bit possessive of my men."

Merula blushed at the comment Thaila. She doesn't like others touching her stuff; especially touching Jason. She buried her face into his chest and sighed, trying to hide her embarrassment.

"Oh Meri," Jason leaned down and dropped a kiss on the top of her head.

As the group of friends was each shown to their rooms, they all had lunch out on the veranda. They chatted all about how the summer had been for the first few weeks. Penny and her family had gone to a muggle theme park in celebration of Beatrice being freed from the curse of the portraits. Barnaby had gone to Germany visiting many magical creature sanctuaries. Rowan visited his relatives in India while reading a small library worth of books. They shared many other stories until Jason suggested he showed them around the city. Everyone agreed to it with much enthusiasm.

Manuel had the limo drop of the teens in a market area. Manuel instructed them he'd come to get them before dinner for the evening was prepared. The group then followed behind Jason as he showed them the town. The streets were littered with people working stalls, kids playing, and many tourists enjoying the city's bright and vibrant life.

"Wow," Penny looked around at a stall of bright dresses and swimsuits. "These are so pretty! Merula, look at this!"

Merula walked over and looked at the wares intrigued by the patterns. Some of the models and symbols she saw looked as though a child drew them.

"Jason, what are those characters?" Merula looked at him bewildered.

"Huh?" he walked over and looked at them. "Those are Taino symbols. They were the natives of the Caribbean. They were relatively peaceful. That symbol is the "sun" or "sol." It looks a little odd, doesn't it?"

"It does but has a unique charm to it." Merula smiled at him. "So what else can be done around here?"

"Well, we can go to the beach? Surfing? Cliff diving?" Jason held his chin as he ran through his thoughts.

"Beach? That sounds nice!" Rowan chimed in as took off a mask he had bought from a kiosk. "Jason, do you have a spot in mind?"

"Wait, we left our swimsuits in our luggage," Barnaby said as he had been stuffing his face with ham croquetas. "I mean I got no problem swimming in my underwear-"

"Barnaby, no." Merula shuddered at that suggestion. "The beach does sound good, but we don't have our suits as Barnaby said."

"I think I can help with that. Follow me," Jason said as he took Merula hand as their friends followed Jason into a nearby shop. "Tio Rodrigo, donde estas?"

"Aquí mi sobrino, ¿qué necesitas?" said an older man walking out to the front of the store dressed in slacks and a button shirt with the sleeves rolled up. His skin was slightly tanner than Jason's but had a similar glow to him. "Oh my! What beautiful girls you brought here? Who are they?"

"Tio, this is my girlfriend Merula and my friends, Rowan, Penny, and Barnaby," Jason said as he explained they're from school and came to visit it (with it being planned by his mother) and that they needed swimsuits for the beach.

"Well, that is how my cousin is. But yes, I think I got a few things for you. Gimme a hand sobrino," he said as he walked into the back with Jason following.

A few minutes later, as everyone went through the store's wares, Jason and his uncle walked out with a few different swimsuits for everyone to try. They were each given individual bags so they could be their stuff separated. As they all decided and put their clothes over the suits, Jason tried to pay his uncle only for him to deny him as it was a free service since his friends came all this way to see him. Jason thanked him and left with his friends to the beach.

The beach was a sight to behold as the crystal clear water glistens with the gentle warm breeze of the sea. The gang made their spots and tossed off their clothes revealing for the first time their swimsuits.

"Jason, your abs," Barnaby commented as he poked at them, "how are they this sculpted?"

"It is interesting," Rowan commented as he did the same thing as Barnaby. "How often do you exercise or rather where do you find the time to do such things?"

"My parents tell me I must keep my appearance up and all. So can you stop- oh, Merlin." Jason stopped as he eyed Merula, who was looking at him nervously as his heart raced. He walked over to her as she looked away messing with her hair.

"W-well? Does it look weird?" Merula glanced at him.

"Meri, the only words I can use to describe you is beautiful, but even that doesn't describe how amazing you look." Jason smiled as he lifted her chin. "How I was blessed with such a beauty I got no clue."

"Oh, s-shut up!" Merula hid her face into her hands, trying not to peek at him. "But I do look beautiful?"

"You always do, mi amor," Jason blushed as he took in her appearance as a whole. Her swimsuit suited her well, he thought to himself.

A two-piece bikini in with an emerald shade and silver specks that acted like stars; the sight could make any man fall in love. Lucky she has already had the one person heart she needed.

"Um, guys?" Penny called to the adorably innocent couple. "Are we going into the water or not?

"Uh, y-yeah! Let's get going!" the two lovers said in unison, pausing briefly to laugh at their synchronization. They really were a match.

With that, the friends ran to the water and begun the joys of their vacation. Barnaby, in his excitement, picked Jason up and bodyslammed him into the water with a loud splash. Barnaby then picked up Rowan holding him over his head with screaming Rowan begging for mercy only for Jason and Ben to tackle their large statured friend. Merula and Penny laughed as the boys were acting well like boys. It was a pleasant sight to see their friends all having fun. While the two girls were laughing the boys snuck up and lifted them only for them to protest as the boys got ready for tossing them.

"One! Two! Three!!!" The four boys said in unison as they tossed Penny and Merula having loud shrieks pierce the air.

"Let's do it again! This fun!" Barnaby bellowed as he clapped his hands on Ben and Rowan's shoulders. "That was brilliant!"

"I dunno Barnaby, I don't want anyone getting hurt," Jason said only to feel something grab his ankle. "Huh? WOOOAH!" Jason yelped as he was pulled under the surface.

"Ha!" Merula said as she broke the surface. "Wait, that wasn't Barnaby."

"No, it wasn't Snyde," Rowan answered giggling.

Merula screamed as her boyfriend wrapped his arms around her and dragging her under. It was a surprise, to say the least as she wormed her way out of his grasp. As she stood up coughing, she looked around trying to find her giant dork.

"Are you alright, Meri?" Jason looked at her with an apologetic look. He hoped he didn't let his excitement get the best of him.

"Oh I'm fine, but you are a dead meat!" Merula lunged at Jason, climbing over to his back and putting him in a headlock while wrapping her legs around his waist. "You are in trouble you little twit!"

"Ah! Meri-" Jason yelped as he tried to keep his balance in the rocking waves of the shores. He tripped as a massive wave, swallowed him and Merula. The two rolled around in the waves until Jason was able to get his footing back. "For Merlin's sake, what were you thinking?" he coughed as Merula held onto his back.

"You were the one who tossed me in, so it's your fault," Merula said as she coughed up some water, "or do I need us to go under again?"

"You win. I submit to Merula Snyde, the most powerful witch on the beach." Jason laughed as Merula climbed off his back, and the two hugged each other with Merula flicking his nose. "Ouch!" What did I do?"

"Nothing, just need you always to remember even if I'm shorter than you I can still reach you somehow." Merula grinned as she wrapped her hands around the nape of his neck.

As the afternoon progressed, the friends walked around the city some more as Jason talked about some of the significant landmarks. One was the quidditch field at the center of the town, The Emerald Lion Dome, name mainly due to the emerald-shaded dome on the structure carved of white marble. It stood twenty-three kilometers wide and was to be the grounds for the next quidditch world cup as the sun started to set the group head back to Jason's home.

"God, I got sand all over!" Ben whined as he tried to shake off the sand that was slowly stuck on his body.

"I know, right?" Barnaby said as he blew his nose out. "It was so much fun, though. Did you see that sea serpent?"

"Sea serpent?!" Ben gulped at Barnaby's excitement of seeing a sea serpent.

"Oh? Yeah, don't go playing with the serpent." Jason said as he walked his friends back to their rooms. "It tends to eat those not paying attention. Don't worry Ben, and no one has been eaten in a couple of days."

"Wonderful." Ben opened the door to his room, scared.

"Dinner is gonna be in an hour or so. Get cleaned up and prepare for a feast!" Jason smiled as he made his way to his room.

"Oh, boy, I'm starved!" Barnaby groaned as his stomach growled.

Jason chuckled at his friend's honesty as he entered his room and making his way to his personal bathroom. He looked through his closet and thought about his options. Since his friends were here and how his mother was, he needs to consider something fun and functional.

On the other end of the manor, Merula had finished cleaning herself up and looked through her outfits. Penny had helped her pick out. She debated between a sundress Penny said looked good on her and a skirt with a blouse. What would be the best to impress Jason's mom and Jason himself?

"Awe, you all look amazing!" Thaila said at the first three to show. Ben, Barnaby, and Rowan had been told to dress for a party. Thalia had been planning this little piece while the teens were up and about exploring the city.

"Thank ma'am!" Barnaby smiled, puffing up his chest. He wore a green button-up, black trousers with his signature rings, and new dress shoes.

"I wish I asked Andre more on dressing advice." Ben looked at his own outfit. His attire consisted of a red polo with a golden bird on upper left pectoral, off-white slacks, and cleaned tennis shoes with what seemed to have a checkmark? Maybe from a muggle company.

"I agree we all look well, Ben. Stop worrying for a bit. We're here for fun." Rowan placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. Rowan had an olive sweater, with beige dress pants and black dress shoes.

As the festivities began, relatives and friends from the De Leones flooded the manor. Many had brought dishes from their homes and thus began the largest welcome party some of the young wizards had ever seen.

Merula had just stepped out of her room when she heard the sounds of festivities. She gazed out to a window adjacent to her door, seeing the people enjoying themselves. "Quite rowdy," she thought to herself as she started making her way down the hallway to the main stairs. Merula heart had been racing ever since she left her room. So far, the day has been good, but she hoped it stayed as she hoped. Merula was at the top of the stairs before she noticed someone across the adjacent section of the stairs.

Jason had finished getting cleaned up before he walked out to the stairs in an excited mood. He hadn't expected to see his friends till school or at least till he had done part of his summer in Italy with his father. But he couldn't think of that for the time. Right now was a time for celebration as his friends were here; and one that was a special one at that. He took a deep breath as he descended the stairs to meet Merula in the middle.

"You look amazing-" the couple said in unison.

"You go first!" Jason spoke with his nerves evergrowing.

"N-no, you go first!" Merula responded.

"No, I insist the most powerful witch goes first."

"So thoughtful of the gentleman," Merula smiled as she took a good look at Jason.

He wore blue chinos with an off-white button-up with his sleeves rolled up. Jason wore his necklace Merula had gotten him for Christmas, charcoal dress shoes, and an onyx-colored watch. His hair combed, and the scent of his cologne sent Merula heart ablaze.

"You look quite dashing if I must say," Merula blushed as her eyes dart to Jason and shot to the left, repeatedly.

"Not as beautiful as you though. You look amazing Merula," Jason caressed her cheek while giving an earnest smile.

"It doesn't look odd? I mean this isn't my cup of tea. Haywood suggested this and other outfits." Merula had decided to go with a sundress with a jade green tint, with her necklace from this past Christmas, and sandals.

"Merula," Jason took her chin and gently kissed her. "No matter what you wear or how you think you look, I'll always believe your beautiful."

"You're such a sweet talker, you know?" Merula stood on her toes and kissed him back. "Let's get going. I want to see what all the noise about."

Jason laughed as he took her hand and led her outside. The two walked arm in arm as the party seemed to be going well. Ben talking with some of Jason's uncles while playing dominos and as far as Jason tell his friend needed some work on it or they'd bleed him dry. To the left, Barnaby was helping himself with the food while two girls were trying to get his attention. They were most likely daughters of his mom's friends probably.

Jason had gone around introducing Merula to his many, many, relatives. Some young cousin. Aunts and uncles. All of them welcomed Merula as one of their own and comment on how she's so beautiful like Jason described. Clearly, someone can't help but brag about the best witch of Hogwarts. Over at a table, Rowan was sitting with Penny and Thalia. He and Merula decided to head over and sit down next to them.

"Ah! Mi hijo y mi futura nuera. You two look amazing!" Thaila smiled at the two love birds.

"Mama! ¡No digas eso!" Jason faced turned red.

"Aye. Sorry hijo, I just can't help myself at times. Merula, your dress looks lovely. It compliments you very well."

"Thank you, ma'am," Merula smiled, feeling happy by her dress selection.

"Now then, I want to know something if you don't mind me asking." Thaila leaned forward with her head in her hands.

"About what ma'am?" Merula asked.

"How much do you love my son? What is it that makes you love?" Thaila grinned like a schoolgirl finding out the latest gossip.

"Mom!" Jason shouted, embarrassed at his mother's questioning of his girlfriend.

"It's alright, Jason." Merula squeezed his hand. She cleared her throat and tried to muster as much courage as she could. "Well, Jason and I never got along in the beginning. I didn't think that someone like him could even consider loving me."

"Because of your lineage?" Thaila raised an eyebrow.

"Y-yes," Merula sighed, "but the fact he treated like an average person. Correcting me whenever I was in the wrong and trying to get me to see my actions will determine my fate. That I am the one to make my choice if I want to be like my parents." She glanced at Jason with a smile.

"And my dear?" Thaila looked at Merula curiously.

"Jason risked death for me too many times that I could even count. He saved my life and me from myself. From the monster, I thought I was," Merula looked at Thaila. "That's why I love him."

Thaila had her eyes clothes as she was in a deep thought considering Merula words before smiling at her. This girl has given her son happiness, and he has done the same for her. Now Thaila was thinking about planning their wedding in secret but knew Jason would find out and possibly flip his lid if she got ahead of herself.

"You are how he describes you truly. I can see why he loves you. You better not go breaking this heart mi nino, am I clear?" Thaila looked at Jason with a severe glance. "Am I clear?"

"I think I rather face another dragon than risk a broken-hearted Merula. I could at least die, knowing I didn't hurt her."

"Hey! I thought we agreed! No, dying!" Merula grabbed his ear, pinching it till his ear turned red.

"Ouch! Meri! Please, that hurts! Aaaaaaaaah!" Jason yelped as Merula tormented him as she did when he got all "tempt fate" and see what would happen.

"I think a dead you would be heartbreaking!" Merula pulled him close, releasing his ear and kissing it.

"Awww, Merula being friendly!" Rowan teased.

"Khanna, I swear I will end you!"

"Noted." Rowan held his hands up, surrendering to the threat. "But, I got to admit it's nice seeing how you act with him."

"Rowan, buddy?" Jason called as rubbed his ear.

"Yes, Jason?"

"Shush, please. I don't want any dead bodies on my home because I'm sure I'll have to bury them," Jason looked at his friend smirking.

"Well, that's enough of the talk. Come along children. It's a party after all!" Penny said as she took Rowan's arm and decided to hit the dance floor.

"I'll leave you to allow, but don't get too crazy now," Thaila smiled and winked at Merula and Jason, making her way to a group of adults.

"Um, sorry my mom put you on the spot." Jason hung his head as he rubbed the back of his neck. "My mom is eccentric and is-" he tried to continue but was cut off by a finger to the lips.

"Jason, you don't need to make excuses." Merula smiled. "I understand she is just concerned. Any parent would wonder who the person that has their child's heart is. Mine does because I brag about you in my letters."

"Meri," Jason smiled and pulled her into a hug, "I love you so much."

"And I love you," Merula pecked his cheek. "Why don't we go join the fun?"

"Thought you'd never ask."

The couple made their way to the dance floor and danced to their heart's content. Merula had gotten better at the dances Jason had shown her these past few months since they started dating. Some of Jason's relatives comment on how she moved well. He knew how to pick 'em. The two of them danced till they couldn't anymore. Sweat dripping down their faces with shallow breaths being taken.

"You hungry?" Merula panted as she held Jason's hand. "I'm starving," Jason said as they made their way to the food table.

"Good grief, this all smells delicious and looks the part.

"Presentation is always keen with food," Jason laughed as he handed her plate and got one for himself.

The two filled their plates and walked to the low standing section of a wall by the view of the city and sat down to eat. As they ate, the two had talked about how the quidditch world cup was coming soon. Though they had different teams, they agreed that somehow they'd go to see it someday. Maybe someday soon. Who can say?

For now, Merula just wanted to enjoy the time she has with Jason. This has probably been one of the most fun days she has had all summer. Her nerves about meeting Jason's family were put aside as she had his mother's approval. It was funny how Thaila is more than willing to welcome her as her future daughter-in-law. If Jason was okay with it, that is. But that was a thought she could think for another day.

"Hey," Jason wiped his face with a napkin, "there's something I want to show you."

"What is it you got to surprise me this time?" Merula looked at him curiously. "You better not try to propose to me," she teased.

"No! Well not now," Jason muttered nervously. "Come on, follow me." Jason offered his hand to Merula with a smile as she took it.

The two left the party and headed down the hill where the mansion was located. Merula wondered where Jason was taking her at such a late time in the evening. As the two made their way down a couple of blocks, they reached a beach closed off.

"Another beach?" Merula smirked. "Again?"

"Look closely," Jason pointed out to the gentle waves.

"If you say so- what the?!" Merula gazed at the water, shocked as it began to glow in a soft color.

"Impressed? Those are supposed to be bioluminescence from how muggles believe it is, but no one truly knows."

"It's beautiful," Merula said as she tried to comprehend the beauty of the lights.

"I don't understand it much myself, but I thought of it like stars swallowed by the seas. I wanted to show it to you because it is one of the most beautiful things I've seen," Jason gazed drifted to his love.

Merula didn't notice until Jason hugged her from behind. He was warm, and the scent of his sweat mixed with his cologne was all too familiar. Jason was, is, this best person Merula had ever know despite how he doubted himself and never tried to be someone he's not. An honest and caring person.

"So what's holds the spot as number one?"

"You."

#harry potter hogwarts mystery #hp hogwarts mystery #hphm fanfiction #hphm mc #hphm fic #jason piscius aurelius de leone #merula snyde #jason x merula

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long-bodyswap · 5 years

Text

Mine

by vchris1989

Chapter 1

Look at that son of a bitch! My douche of a colleague, Manny, is putting like some sort of dipshit teen while I’m getting our boss’s order. Mr. Flint asked us both to pick up his new clubs, but I’m the only one who gives a shit. And I guarantee that when we get back Manny is going to take full credit. He’s such a fucking ass hole, but I get even more frustrated with myself because I still can’t shake my lust and desire for him. Not for him or his personality, but for his body. It’s weird and hard to explain. I don’t get hard thinking about his body grinding all over me; I get hot about using his body for my own plans and desires.

“Hey, did you talk to the guy yet?” Manny asks impatiently.

“Manny, we’d be out of here faster if you’d help me.”

“Listen, you queer. You find that guy so we can get out of this dump. I don’t have time to listen to you bitch about not doing your job! Don’t see me complaining!”

I just scoff at him. You freaking son of a bitch. I’ve never seen you do your god damn job a single time. Always bullying me and extorting me to carry him through life. Fuck, as much as he pisses me off I just can’t deny this hunger within myself. I get so fucking horny thinking of what it would be like to own some of his swagger and confidence, to be the one coasting through life and preying on the week. My dick gets so hard thinking about owning him and all that he is- to enter his body and wrestle control away from his mind and soul and wake up as the new Manny. But that’s just a fantasy I suppose. I’ll have to-

“DUDE!” Manny yells.

Shit! I did that thing again where I spaced out on the job. These damn daydreams are getting more powerful and more prevalent. Fuck I’m hard right now. Gotta hide this before Manny-

“Oh for fuck’s sake, dude. Really? A hard-on on the job? That’s for me isn’t it? You sick queer, at least you have good taste,” Manny says with a swaggery scoff as he ditches the putter he was using and walks over to a different putting green away from me, shaking his head and laughing at my misfortune.

I fucking hate you so much, Manny. My face is burning red with my burning hot rage that anyone could be this much of a douchbag, but damnit fuck! My dick is so hard. Just the thought of entering Manny and making him a better person is making me leak precum. Oh shit, please not now- it’s never been this bad at work. I gotta-I gotta- shit I gotta find a bathroom to blow my load. But fuck I might miss the guy I’m waiting on. Fuck me I think my precum just leaked through my workpants! This isn’t going to end well…

6 hours later

Fuck today and fuck Manny! Just bullshit all of it! He doesn’t do shit and he has to go run his mouth to our boss about my little incident earlier. Our boss fired me and promoted Manny- made him a fucking regional manager! That should be me! God, if there was a way I could slide inside Manny I could have everything I want.

3 weeks later

So most people would be content with holding a grudge and going through a self-destroying cycle of hating Manny, jerking off at the thought of possessing Manny, self-hatred, and repeat…but not me. Unemployment has given me the time I need to research Manny’s end and my new beginning. My severance package was enough to fund the purchase of an original edition European witchcraft classic, Blackest Magic. For all I know, Manny has already forgotten I exist, but I’ve had plenty of time to remember him and the life and body he doesn’t deserve. With me inside him, he would be a real man, not some spoiled brat bitch ruining everyone else’s lives for his own gain. I can’t believe how much Blackest Magic cost me, but that means it must be legit, right? I’m all in, because I won’t have anything left if this doesn’t work. I- *DING* Holy shit! That’s the Fed Ex guy! It’s here! I sprint to the door, signing and taking my package in such a quick whirlwind that the Fed Ex guy is almost left transfixed as if I had been The Flash or something. I still make sure to thank him profusely as I close the door and scurry to my living room, giddy with anticipation as I gently break the bindings on this meticulously packaged volume. Opening the cardboard I am met by an unusually thorough layer of package stuffing. Careful…Careful…This is so bizarre…I can almost feel the air vibrating around the book the closer I get to it. Finally, I see the book- A pitch black volume in the classical style. It must be over 400 years old, but there is not a single sign of age or damage on it. This almost feels like a scam until I reach down and grab the book for the first time. The moment I make contact the book releases a breathy almost hiss, as if it is alive and conscious of my presence, perhaps assessing my worthiness.

Worthy or not, I am desperate. Surely the powers that be can sense my desperation and hunger to enter Manny, to control him…to be him. Please! Dark forces, light forces, I don’t care who! Just someone answer my call!!!!!

With that the book flies out of my hands and lands with an echoing thud on the table in front of me. I freeze in terror as the books pages begin flipping in an endless cyclone of magic energy until finally it halts on a page towards the back. Nervous, but curious, I lean forward until I see the answer to my prayers-Astrus Possessum…Manny doesn’t stand a chance…That night I made all the necessary preparations. It was really basic actually- If anything, I feel like these simple objects like candles and rose petals are just necessary to focus and redirect the book’s self-generated power. Everything is set and now I just mediate and focus. I focus harder and with more intent than I ever have. I think about filling Manny, overpowering him, and assuming full control of him. I think about laughing in his body and rubbing his hands all over his stocky, but strong form. I think about grabbing his man meat and pumping his cock until his balls are churning out the biggest load of his life. Fuck, my cock is leaking the biggest flow of pre-cum I’ve ever had. I know it’s the perfect time for the words! “Astrus Possessum!”“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH MY FUCKINGAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!” I scream as I feel like every cell of my body is being burned to ash. This agony is too much for any mortal to comprehend, but somehow I know that it is necessary. The pain doesn’t feel like actual fire, more like the burning hot combustion of…Oh shit- I think my soul just separated from my body. I look down at my whispy hands, practically invisible. And now I’m floating over what appears to be my lifeless and already pale old body. I try to enter my old form in a panic, but I am repelled, utterly and absolutely. Fucking shit! I guess there’s no going back since I’m dead as a doornail…Not that I would ever want to go back…

I float over to Manny’s house-confident in my sense of direction since I devoted much time to knowing the route between his house and mine. Without even a second thought, I float through his front door calling out his name even though he likely couldn’t hear me. Oh will you look at that. Manny seems to have made some sort of makeshift bed on the floor of his living room so he could take a nice mid-day nap. Just look at you, you lazy fuck. Someone like you could rule the world if you’d give a damn every now and then. Enough of all this shit- all the frustration and resentment and guilt and shame. It ends now!

I fly directly at Manny, roughly flipping him fully onto his back. His eyes shoot wide open in shock, but before he can shout out I shove my ghostly hand into his mouth, filling him up all the way to the esophagus as he gags and tries to grab at me to absolutely no avail. I see terror in his eyes as he half-screams, already convulsing as I slide my ghostly arm down to the elbow.

“Oh we can make this even more fun,” I say to myself. Smirking with my invisible face, I withdraw my arm from his throat, making him gasp in relief before I place a hand to hold him down as I reach my other hand into his shorts and grab onto his meat hard, making him squeal like a horny piglet as I begin pumping and milking his meaty cock. “No no no PLEASE! NO LEAVE ME ALONE! WHAT ARE YOU- UnnNNnnnnngggggggggg Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh,” Manny exclaims as I ruthlessly abuse what will soon be my thick cock. And from what I can tell he’s got nice length too- at least 7 inches. Fuck that makes me pump his meat even faster. Manny’s breathing begins reaching new peaks as sweat dribbles down from all over his meaty body. He’s given up fighting me, knowing that I have him pinned down and that trying to get up is a futile waste of energy.

“Please stop! I-I-I have a girlfrienddddddddddmmmmmmmmmmmmmoohhhhhhhh.”

It’s kind of funny how he’s trying to negotiate with a ghost that’s molesting him. Alas, I can see his pelvis starting to tighten and his breathing is really picking up.

“Ohhhhhhh SHIT!!! I’m gonna- I’M GONNA!”

Oh no you don’t. I let go of his meat, leaving Manny absolutely tortured with sexual lust as I leave him so close to a forced molestation induced orgasm. That’s going to be my orgasm, Manny. Thanks for getting it so hot and ready for me though. Manny is distracted now, desperately moaning out and whining from the horniness and lack of satisfaction. Oh don’t worry you pain in my ass, it’s time for me to return the favor! I rip his shorts all the way down to his ankles, eliciting a yelp of surprise from Manny as I dive directly for his virgin asshole, my head morphing like a gelatinous balloon as I begin flowing inside his body.

“MOTHERFUUUUUUUCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!” Manny screams as he arches his back and begins kicking his legs out, curling his toes and hyperventilating as his face goes red from contorting his face from all the pain and pleasure. My assault continues, making Manny yelp as I force my shoulder blades inside his hole, stretching him beyond what should be humanly possible for a virgin hole to accept as I continue a forceful and steady invasion. Manny yells out, shouting, “NO NO!!!!! PLEEEASSSSSEEEEEE!!!! GET OUT OF THERE!! GET OUT OF ME!!!! PLEASE NOOOOO!!!! UNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!” He grabs at the blanket on the ground, gripping and pulling it so hard that the veins on his meaty arms threaten to burst. I love how his legs keep squirming like his nervous system doesn’t know what to do or who to obey. Manny begins convulsing as the last of me enters his hole, the last of me sliding in with a slosh. Now fully inside him, I begin rearranging, sliding each limb into his. My legs travel and fill his. I make sure my spiritual cock enters his. My smaller frame aligns and fills his beefy and meaty chest. And finally, my head enters his brain and locks into place, giving me full control of his body and access to his memories and personality. Manny continues to convulse, his hips thrusting hard into the air as his back arches and he screams one last shriek of defiance before collapsing onto the ground, breathing deeply with his eyes closed before the world around me starts to come into focus.

“Did it- Holy Fuck it worked!” I shout with my new voice. “My name is Manny. Fuck I love this. Manny, I don’t know if you can hear me in there, but this is what you get you son of a bitch! Now I get to do this!”

I reach down and grab his still rock hard cock and begin stroking it with his own hands. “Ohhhhhh FUCK YEAH” I shout as I begin uncontrollably thrusting Manny’s strong hips into this grip. “Your meat feels so good, Manny! MmmmmmmmmmmYEAHHHHH!” I use my other hand to rub all over my beefy torso, feeling the weight of his strong torso and chest, grabbing all that meat with Manny’s own hands and almost yelping like a little girl when I twist his sensitive nipples.

“Holy fuck, Manny! Your nips feel so good! Your body is amazing and just want I dreamed it would be! Fuck, you love how it feels when I pump your cock. And you love it when I thrust your cock into my grip like THIS-OOOOHHHHH FUCK YEAH!!! YEAH take it you queer! You fucking love getting your cock milked by me! Feels too damn good not too. Oh fuck you’re close! I mean oh fuck I’m CLOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!”

I begin thrusting and pumping like never before, grunting and moaning endlessly as the pressure builds to impossible extremes. I close Manny’s eyes and squeeze his face into one of pleasure as I breathe deeply and bask in the odor of his sweaty body, finally reaching the point of no return as Manny’s cock can take no more.

“OHHHHHHH MYYYYYYY FFUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!! FUCKING FUCK YEAHHHHHHH!!!!” I scream as I thrash my head uncontrollably, moaning in joy as each thrust and pump launches volley after volley of Manny’s hot cum all over his robust chest. The warmth of his cream on my new chest gets me so hot that I swear to God it must have triggered a consecutive orgasm as I literally cringe from sensation as I feel another round of cum begin to launch, sending more ropes of cum, literally making puddles across Manny’s body before his cock finally settles and my arches back relaxes gently back to the floor.

“Oh. My. Fuck,” I pant between breaths as I look down at the masterpiece beneath me.

Unable to contain my curiosity, I reach Manny’s beefy fingers down and scoop up a big puddle of his cream, smelling it and inhaling the aroma before taking it into his mouth. My eyes open wide in shock and then delight as I look down and begin scooping more cum and instantly devouring it.

“oh my *slurp* God. Manny, your cum is so *slurp* fucking delicious!” I exclaim as I slurp up every single drop off of his chest, sighing in contented afterglow as I resume his nap. I’ll shower your body later, Manny. I want you to be filthy for a while. And starting tomorrow I think the world will be meeting a new and improved Manny!

Chapter 2

I wake up at the crack of dawn on Saturday, stretching and yawning, and moaning in the pleasured joy of being inside Manny. “Good Morning, new friend,” I say with a giggle as I reach down and grab Manny’s hard morning wood. Mmmmmmm that’s nice. I can’t help but just grind Manny’s hips into these soft blankets, making his dick feel so warm as it slides against the soft and velvety fabric. “Fuck, this will never get old,” I exclaim as I cup Manny’s strong chest in my hands and use his thumbs to rub Manny’s nipples as I keep grinding his hips slowly and sensually into the soft and welcoming fabric. Shit this feels nice. Manny-like grunts leave my mouth, making my new cock throb with desire and sensation as a dark idea creeps into my mind. Immediately I stop this grinding and flip over onto my back, putting Manny’s legs in the air as I suck on one of his fingers, cooing and moaning as I get that thick digit warm and wet. “Mmmmmmmmmm, Manny I fucking love your body,” I whisper as I close my eyes and begin reaching that thick and wet digit down to Manny’s brutally straight hole. “ahhhhhhhhhhh That’s nice,” I coo as I rub the wet digit around Manny’s perky and tight hole, excited by the involuntary clenching reactions this body has whenever my finger actually touches the hole. I get Manny’s body relaxed by gently rubbing circles around that tight fuck chute. Fuck, Manny’s cock is so hard right now. Shit, Manny’s cock is leaking precum. Maybe that straight son of a bitch wasn’t 100 percent straight after all…This makes me chuckle as I place a thick finger directly on Manny’s hole, ready to begin breaking new ground. Before I can even apply any pressure though I feel a particularly strange sensation. It’s not uncomfortable, but I feel like there’s a lot of pressure inside, like that feeling when you drive up a mountain or a big hill. “Wait what am I? What the FUCK?!” I hear Manny’s soul shriek inside his mind. That must be the pressure. My soon-to-be abuse of his hole must have awakened his spunky fighting spirit. Too bad though he’s just wasting his energies. “Who are you?! How are you doing this?!” Manny demands. “Oh I think you know who I am. And I’m doing all this because I’m inside you. I am you now,” I say with a sinister edge to my tone that sounds so sexy coming from Manny’s throat. “You pushed me too far. You took everything you had for granted and treated everything and everyone in your life like shit, so I’m here to repo your life basically.” “What the fuck are you talking about?! And why can’t I talk?! Why are you talking with my body? Why the fuck can’t I move? What did you do?!” I spit into my hand and rub all that slick spit over Manny’s hole and begin pressing a thick digit against his hole, making me cringe and squirm as I force that thick digit down to the second knuckle, amazed by how tight Manny’s hole is and by the fact that I was even able to enter his tight straight man ass. “NOOO PLEASE!!!! STOP YOU FREAKING PERVERT!” “Oh Manny, I know this hurts, but trust me. It’ll feel so gooOOOOOOODDDDD Oh WOW you are tight!” I exclaim as I ram the last of the digit inside Manny’s hole, my mouth in a circular O of surprise as Manny’s back arches and I squirm on my back, leaving that thick finger buried fully inside me as I swirl that digit in all directions, activating an endless sea of nerve endings that even Manny is forced to succumb to. “NO! PLEASE STOAAAAHHHHHHHHHPPPPPPP! Ohhhhhhhhhhh,” Manny begs in his mind. “Oh Come on, Manny. It doesn’t feel good when I do THIS?!” I say as I pull his finger out of his hole and ram its full length back inside. “Ahhhhh my FUCKKK!!! Fucking GOD! NO! WAIT! YOU CAN’T! I’M not a queer!” “That’s not what your hole is telling me, Manny,” I taunt as I begin swirling the digit inside him again, slowly entering a finger fucking rhythm as I get this hole nice and stretched- well on the way to making room for a second finger. “I swear to God! Pleaseeeeunnnnnnnnnggggggggggg oh FUCK! Wait no what are you- OHHHHHHH FUCCCCKKKKK NO PLEASE PLEASE STOOOPPPPPPPPAHHHHHHHHH JESUS!!! GET THE FUCK OUT OF ME YOU QUEEERRRRRR-UNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!” Manny screams as I, without warning, slide a second finger in his tight hole, shrieking myself as I force both thick fingers inside all the way. Holy fuck! I think I swear to God I almost just passed out, but now- Oh my God this is amazing! I try to swirl and pull and stretch those two fingers inside Manny’s hole, making me yelp in little noises of pure blissful ecstasy as my breathing deepens and I work my way to a fucking motion with these two fuck sticks. “PLEASEAHHHHHHH! NO! YOU CAN’T- UNGGGGGGGGGG- TOO MUCH TOO MUCH TOO FUCKING MUCH! CAN’T! OH GOD!!!!” Manny yells in his mind as he tries to deny the surges of pleasure crashing through his mind. I double up my efforts, grunting and shrieking from the force as I ram and slam my new hole, growling with Manny’s voice as I get caught up in a sexual rage. Fuck you and your hole, Manny. It’s my hole now! And I’m gonna abuse the shit out of it and get it nice and stretched out! Just to tease Manny I remove the two fingers and see what Manny’s reaction will be as I focus all of my energy and attention on Manny’s throbbing cock and the feeling of emptiness inside his hole. Pretty soon my energies seem to have an interesting effect on Manny. He tries to remain silent in his mind, but I can feel his trapped soul almost quivering with desire and emptiness as he tries to process both the sensation he felt in his hole as well as my influence. “What the wait no! Can’t be-fucking damnit I want it. Do it again please! Wait no! Not a queer! Not a fag! But fuck! Why did it feel so good?! Do all fags get to feel that good? Shit man I don’t care just please make me feel that good again!” Holy shot that’s such a turn on for me! I see a glob of precum dribble down Manny’s throbbing cock just from hearing Manny beg me to finger fuck his hole. “You’re going to have to earn the privilege. Beg me,” I respond with a hint of satisfied domination. “Please! Please fill my tight hole again! Make me feel what fags feel, I don’t care just please make me feel good!” Good enough I think to myself as I smirk and scoop up all of Manny’s gooping precum and spread it over three fingers. Without warning, I take those three thick precum lubed digits and shove them all the way inside me in one rough and swift motion. I’m paralyzed by quakes of pleasure as I scream and gasp, a bug eyes expression of overwhelming amazement on my face as I feel Manny’s hole stretched to its limits. Manny’s legs are trembling now as I begin fucking Manny’s hole with all three digits, making his toes curl against my will and his whole body convulse as I benefit from the pleasure. But if I thought I was having an interesting reaction…well fuck- I checked and Manny’s soul was just erupting with one constant shriek of conflicting ecstasy and disgust. Oh I can’t take this anymore! “Holy fucking JESUUSSSS FUUUUCCCCKKKKK UNNNGGGGGYEAH DUDE FUCK YEAH!” I shout as Manny’s cock begins dumping a hot and steamy load all over Manny’s robust chest. Fuck, this cock didn’t even get touched, but I just quiver as quakes of pleasure erupt from Manny’s sweet ass and travel into my new cock and balls and make my entire body shake and vibrate with pure fucking joy. I enjoy the feeling as each rope of Manny’s cum erupts and lands with a splash on his solid torso. And when the shots finally subside, I scoop up all of that cum and try to slide as much as possible into Manny’s stretched hole. “Do you fucking feel that Manny?! I’m gonna finger fuck this load of your cum so deep inside your hole it’ll never come out.” “Oh fuck man I don’t care just please make me feel good!” “Tell me what you want!” “Please make me feel good! Do whatever you need, just please make me feel so good!” “Be specific or I’ll quit now.” “No!!!! Please!!! Please shove my fingers inside me! I need three fingers! Two isn’t enough anymore! Use my hot cum as lube and fucking bury my hot jizz inside me, just please make me feel good!” Manny and I both coo in relief and satisfaction as we feel me slide all three fingers back inside, filling him up and pushing his warm man juices deep inside, making me feel a warmth and comfort as his cum literally oozes all over the inside of his hole. “Oh Manny, your hot cum feels so good. I bet this’ll feel so nice for your girl when I fuck a bunch of your loads inside her tight cunt!” This seems to bring Manny back to reality slightly as he tells me not to lay a hand on her and he suddenly begins reverting to his straight boy mentality, telling me to stop finger fucking him and calling me a fag and pervert and junk. Whatever, I’m starting to get the hang of this. I shut Manny up for the time being before I shove those three digits back in as hard as I can, pummeling Manny’s prostate and making me convulse and yell as an unexpected additional shot of cum randomly shoots out of Manny’s thick cock. “Mmmmmmm yeah. Manny, your girlfriend is gonna be seeing a new side of you. Fuck yeah, gonna fill up that tight cunt and then find some hot twink ass looking for a Latino Daddy Bear to fill them up and give them what they need. Thank God it’s just Saturday morning. I’ve got a whole weekend to use your body before I fully take over your life and show up to work on Monday and begin “my” new promotion. For the moment, I throw a purple shirt on and begin familiarizing myself with the basics of Manny’s life, logging into his computer as if it had been second nature and using this chance to recover. Mmmmm you see those three fingers I’m using on the trackpad? Fuck yeah all three of those thick sausages were pumping Manny’s hole and abusing his virgin prostate. Let’s see…Oh fucking perfect. Manny’s girlfriend emailed him and she’s arriving early from her trip…tonight. Oh Mannnny, finger fucking your hole was just divine. No joke, I can still hardly even feel your legs. I’m glad you recover quickly though because I already feel ready to pump a load inside your girlfriend’s tight cunt. Your manly nuts must be supercharged cum factories because I can almost feel them vibrating as they churn out more juices and loads for me to blow. I lift Manny’s arm and check his watch. Great. About forty minutes until Manny’s girl shows up. I collapse back onto the bed and bask in my possession of Manny. What a great day. Before I can even think another thought I realize I have to take a massive leak with Manny’s thick and robust cock. Ohhhhhh I can’t help but moan as I feel the cascade of fluid surge from Manny’s meat, making a commanding echo that bounces endlessly around his bathroom. I take a deep breath as the flow slows down, smirking as I do a few more than two shakes. Manny has a full length mirror in his bathroom, so I grin at the full length reflection of Manny, twisting his face into one of ownership and cockiness while I keep shaking drops of piss out of his cock. “Nothing you can do about this, right Manny? Can’t even stop me from shaking the piss out of your cock. You’re weak, Manny. All these years of you thinking you had some sort of edge over me, but now look at you!” I grab Manny’s balls and begin gently squeezing them and pulling on them, my back arching just slightly from pleasure as I gaze back into the mirror and grunt, “You don’t have the balls to mess with someone like me, Manny. That’s right, these are my balls now! All your delicious man cream belongs to me and I’m gonna taste it with your tongue and fuck it into your girlfriend’s tight cunt whenever the fuck I want. Oh, I forgot, how could I be selfish and keep a meaty, hairy, Daddy bear like you from all the tight twinks just dying to milk the cum out of you with their hungry holes. Mmmmmmmm yeah, Manny are you awake? I can’t hear you, but I hope you feel the way I’m massaging your balls, getting your cum nice and ready to flood your girlfriend’s pussy. It’s gonna feel so good for her when I make that last thrust, grunting forcefully as your warm creamy fluids surge inside her, making her feel a warmth that spreads from the inside out, satisfying her in unimaginable ways and making her beg you- I mean ME- for more. Oh I just fucking love your balls Manny- nice and big, but still cute and sensitive enough that it drives me wild when I cup one ball and just roll it around, tugging on your ball sac right up to the point I feel a chill rush up your back and through your dick. I’m still making direct eye contact with Manny’s reflection, hell bent on making sure he can experience this on some level no matter how dormant he may be. I squeeze his balls one last time, grunting out, “Your body is MINE,” before strutting up to the mirror and spitting on the reflection in front of me. “Yeah, you like that because you’re a fucking slave whore who can’t resist. You’re too weak to resist.” I get up real close, so close that Manny’s soft cock squishes up against the mirror as I stretch out Manny’s tongue and begin licking his spit off the mirror, making sure to gaze directly into those eyes, burning this image into Manny’s dormant consciousness. I lick my way up. “You sick slave whore. You’ll do anything I say” *Lick* “Because you’re nothing” *Lick* “Me forcing inside your body completed you” *Lick* “Made you a real man!” *Lick* “Just look at you, you fucking queer. The way your hole lights up when I force all those fingers inside you. Deep down YOU LOVED IT” *Lick* “Good job cleaning that mirror, whore. Now time to give Jenna what she’s been waiting for” I wink at Manny’s reflection one last time, giggling a bit as I notice a stream of Manny’s precum dribbling down the mirror from my little Role Playing scenario. Shooting a devious look across Manny’s face I drop down onto his knees and begin ravenously devouring his juices, speaking for him, pretending it’s Manny saying, “Oh shit yeah so delicious! I can’t get enough of those manly juices. Fucking love it ‘cause I’m a weak-minded whore who just loves being filled. IT FEELS SO GOOD BEING FULL OF YOUR ESSENCE! MAKING ME DO SICK AND TWISTED THINGS! I love it when you play with my cock and finger fuck my hole with my beefy fingers. Make me a real man!” I giggle and shiver at the same time, humored by Manny’s vocal cords producing such phrases, but also devilishly turned on. I think I have a new game for later, after Jenna leaves. *Knock Knock* I rush to the door, having just finished putting some clothes on and prepping for this meeting with Manny’s girl, Jenna. I try my best to mix the best of Manny with the best of me- in other words, I’m gonna mix Manny’s confidence with my ability to choose not to be a complete asshole around other people. Might actually be tough, but it’s too late because I’m already opening the door-“Hey, Manny. Been a while since you called,” Jenna says meekly, with a hint of both resentment and sadness. “I’ve been busy lately, babe. But I think you’ll notice I’m a new man. I’ll be here for you when you need me. So why don’t you step inside and let me prove it to you,” I say as I lean forward, ready to lock my lips over hers and pull her inside for a Manny-style power bang. “Woah there, sailor,” she says, placing her hand over my lips and blocking my advance. “Why don’t you get me a drink first? We have some unfinished business to hash out.” I oblige. Nodding my head and welcoming her in, following her into the kitchen as she sits at her favorite bar stool. “So…ermmm…What can I get for you?” I ask awkwardly, not prepared for Jenna to suddenly be so pensive. I’m unprepared, but still up for the challenge though. I mean just look at this selfie I took earlier: I got Manny a clean haircut and dressed him up to look adorable and fuckable. I quickly flash through Manny’s memories though and in a flash see that he had been really wrong to Jenna, having girls on the side, making her feel worthless, using a condom!, banging her so quick she never even got warmed up by the time Manny had cum! No wonder she wants to talk. I mean, hot twink ass on the side is one thing, but you never have other girls on the side! I’m flashed back to the moment by Jenna’s response- “Wow, Classic Manny. Can’t even remember my usual.” I scan Manny’s brain real fast. “Oh no, babe. A Tom Collins with a splash of 7-up. I just wanted to know if you wanted anything different to kick off our fresh start,” I say in the most sincere and caring tone I can possibly muster. Coming out of Manny’s gruff at times voice, it makes Jenna instantly blush a little, no matter how hard she tries to hide it. Bingo. Turning her head to try to hide her involuntary half smile, she says, “you know, what the hell. I’ll have a vodka and cranberry.” “Anything for you, babe,” I say gently and lovingly as I walk up to her, leaning in and gently placing a tender kiss on her cheek, stroking the back of her neck and hearing her lightly gasp. Jenna turns her head slowly, almost by instinct positioning her lips to meet mine before I pull back and give her another loving smile. “Better get that drink,” I say with a blend of Manny’s suave confidence and my own capacity for love and affection. I instantly notice a shift in Jenna’s body language. Instead of having rigid walls and emotional distance, I can almost feel her energy drawing me in, attracted to the new Manny. Mixing her drink, we make casual talk about work and friends and I have her trying not to snort as she laughs from my warm and sharp sense of humor. This drink took over ten minutes to make because of all my stories that have her on the edge of her seat, cackling until tears of laughter emerge, but I don’t think she minds too much. “Sorry it took so long,” I chuckle as I hand Jenna her drink, giggling again as I see her smacking the table in hysteria from my last goofy story, still trying to get her composure together. Finally calm, she smiles at me and begins asking: “Where was this side of you the first time we dated? I haven’t laughed like that since high school, Manny. I-I-I have to be honest. I lied earlier about the sex. I didn’t think you would even want to see me unless there was some pervy sexual benefit for you. I really wanted to talk about the past. How you hurt me. How lonely I was. How in the bedroom you-“ I grab her hand tenderly and begin stroking it, looking into her eyes with a solemn look of remorse. “But, Manny. Just these past couple minutes- I- It’s like I don’t even recognize you, and I never thought I’d be so glad to say that. You made me feel loved and special, and like I mattered-“ I lean in and hug her deeply, bringing her in close and letting her feel Manny’s tight grip and the warmth of his body. “You will always matter to me,” I whisper into her ear, slowly sliding my face until I’m looking directly into her eyes. Those eyes are like open doors now, bearing no resistance as Jenna sheds a single tear, smiles, and then throws herself at me, hugging me so tightly as she tells me how much she loves me and how I’ve just told her everything she always wanted to hear. I grab her face and bring her lips to mine, gently meeting Manny’s lips to hers as we begin a gentle embrace. The taste of her lips is so sweet. I close my eyes and begin rubbing my hands up and down her back, reaching down and playfully grabbing her supple ass with Manny’s strong hands, making her moan and open her mouth enough for me to glide some of Manny’s tongue into her mouth. Her moans are blissful as our tongues wrestle in a lovers’ dance, entangling gently as if exploring new territory before becoming more and more agile and energetic as our body heat rises. I pick Jenna up in Manny’s strong arms and bring her over to the bed, gently laying her down as I pull her shirt off, showing off her trim body and perky breasts. I take Manny’s shirt off, revealing my meatier body. But I think Jenna has a thing for bigger guys; it must make her feel more secure. Regardless, I begin crawling towards her until I’m laying myself on top of her, feeling her lean legs pulling my mass into her as I lean down and we begin kissing again. Our tongues are ravenous for each other by this point as I shift and begin sniffing and kissing my way down her neck, cupping one of her supple breasts in Manny’s authorative grip, massaging and rubbing and squeezing until Jenna is groaning in ecstasy. I know she loves this because every time I grab her perfect tits she grinds her hips against the hard on tenting through Manny’s jeans, making me gasp as my pre-cum leaking cock gets more and more insatiable. I can’t take it anymore- I grunt as I rip Jenna’s bra in half, tearing it clean off before I make a dive for her exposed breasts, wrapping my lips around one of her perky nipples and beginning a barrage of gentle sucking and licking. “OHHHH Mannnnnyyyyy- You’ve never- oh that’s niceeeeee- Oh Mannyyyyyyy”Jenna says as I swirl Manny’s tongue around her sensitive tit, sending shivers from her nipples through her entire body as I grab her other exposed breast and continue massaging that soft skin, tweaking that nipple gently between Manny’s thumb and index finger. Jenna eggs me on as her back arches and she uses her legs to pull me closer and harder against her. If she loves this then just wait until she sees what’s next. I pull back, her nipple exiting my mouth with a gentle pop as she shivers and looks up at me longingly. Without a word, I grab her skirt and carefully pull it off her legs before moving in again and gently massaging and caressing my way up her legs and inner thighs, becoming almost certain she’s wet and hot for me right now as I begin pulling down her panties and see an undeniably moist cunt just begging to be filled. “Manny, you’ve never been this good before. I mean, it’s not that I wasn’t attracted to you before, but right now- OHHHHHH MANNNNYYYYYY!!!!! OH MYYYY—–UNNNNNGGGG—YOU’VE NEVER- OH YES MANNY!! YES YES YES!!!!” Jenna screams with ecstasy laced joy as I lean in and begin gently sliding Manny’s tongue inside her wet cunt, feeling the walls of her pussy clamp down on me in shock as I wiggle and set off a torrent of nerve endings. Fuck yeah, Jenna’s cunt tastes so good! I dig my tongue deeper, wiggling, sucking, rubbing her insides in all the right places, taking cues from when her legs twitch or when her back arches. I pull out and find her clit, giving that special attention as I playfully lick her most sensitive bundle of nerves, daring to even gently nibble on it before kissing that fireball of nerves and migrating my tongue back inside her cunt. I’m taking special care to massage and caress her squirming body, rubbing her lean core and feeling her back as it arches. She especially loves it when I hoist her legs over my shoulders and caress my down her thighs before grabbing a firm hold of her ass and hips and pulling her cunt towards my lapping and thrusting tongue. “ohhhhhhh Mannyyyyyy- I-I-I OH GOD!!! SO—Ungggg-GooooooOOOODDDDD! SO GOOD-OH YES YES YES YES” I go into turbo, swirling Manny’s long tongue inside her at unprecedented speeds and in all directions, setting off cascade after cascade of sensation inside her. I start sucking with gusto, trying to taste as much of her pussy juices as I can, making her whole body literally wretch as I try to hold her squirming form down as I thrust my wiggling tongue inside her. “Mannnnnnyyyyy- YOU-OH GOD- I CAN’T-I- OH PLEASE DON’T STOP! I’M SO CLOSE I-“ I release her writhing hips just long enough to quickly slide Manny’s thick index finger inside her soaking wet cunt, along with Manny’s thrashing tongue as I begin finger fucking her, squirming that finger around and stretching her pussy ever so slightly as I pull my tongue out and latch on to her clit and begin wiggling Manny’s tongue and sucking that nerve bundle. “MANNY!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU MANNY!!!!!! OH YESSSSSS MANNY!!!!” Jenna screams with joy as her cunt starts bursting with the best orgasm of her life. I can feel the walls of her cunt tightening so much it’s a struggle just to pull out my thrusting finger! And her cunt starts leaking so many juices that a trickle starts oozing out, forcing me to quickly maneuver down and start sucking her delicious juices out of her, forcing my tongue back inside as I try to devour every last drop, extending her orgasm indefinitely as her back remains arched and it looks like she’s trying to scream but no sound is coming out. I lap up the torrent of juices for at least 30 straight seconds, keeping her orgasm going on and on, making her body tremble with appreciation as she surprises me and grabs the back of my head, pulling me even deeper into the tight explosion of pleasure that is her cunt. I devour this feast until her trembling slows to a halt and the fountain of juices dies down, finally pulling out after several minutes of non-stop orgasms for Jenna. I look into her eyes, now aflame with absolute adoration and passion. Her supple body is drenched in sweat and her breathing is so heavy I worry for her safety. But underneath it all is a smile that lets me know I’ve given her what no one else ever has and what no one else ever will. “Manny!” She exclaims between gasps, “That was- I’ve never- Oh my God, Manny that was incredible! I-I-I love you, Manny! I believe you, Manny. Every word! This is a new chapter for us, and I want to start it off right, so baby how about you take those pants off and fill me up. Make me yours. I want you inside me, use your cock and make me feel good,” Jenna says seductively as she begins rubbing my pre-cum leaking cock through the tent of Manny’s stained jeans. I moan in approval as she unbuttons that denim and pulls down until Manny’s throbbing and leaking meat springs out right in front of her longing eyes. “mmmmmmm Baby I need it! Please, Manny! God you’ve changed! Where did you learn that?!” Jenna moans between squealy gasps as she squeezes and curls her toes. Those smooth legs are draped over my shoulders as I swirl Manny’s powerful tongue deep inside her cunt, slurping those juices that Manny, the fucking misogynistic prude, would never even go near. Fuck Manny, Jenna needs a real lover. Jenna needs-“Your dick! Please Manny!”I pull my tongue out of her pussy and just grin, still smack dab up against those pussy lips and licking all around. She closes her eyes and tosses her head back as I just keep licking outside her cunt, also reaching up and grabbing her perfect boobs, squeezing not too hard that it hurts, but not too gently that she doesn’t feel absolutely and completely safe with me here to protect her and to fuck her. “Are you sure you’re ready for this Jenna? Are you sure this is what you want?”“Yes!! Manny! I’ve never wanted anything more than this!”I retract away from her cunt and roll over to the side of the bed with Manny’s nightstand, sifting around and looking for a condom. I search around, finally finding that sealed latex when out of nowhere I feel Jenna’s hand resting firmly on mine.“No… Manny… You are not the man you used to be. I don’t know what happened to you, but I have never in my life felt the way I do right now. I can’t believe that I came here to end things for good because right now in this moment in time I honestly don’t want anything more than to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to feel you Manny… All of you. I want to feel you filling me up… Completing me in a way that only you can,” she says as she pushes my hand back down into the drawer, making me leave the condom in there as she guides me back to the bed.No!! What the fuck are you about to do?! Fuck man! You’re already using my body and shit! At least use some fucking protection! I’m not ready to be a dad! That’s not how I roll! Manny screams in his head as I pump his meat and get him fully hard while Jenna smiles adoringly at me as she gets on her back and spreads her legs, giving me full access to that tight pussy.Yeah, Manny. Well this is how I roll. Because I am Manny now. No one ever loved you! But now look! With me inside you, Jenna is utterly and madly in love. You’re a better person with me in here, a better man. You better accept your fate, and I really hope you enjoy this – because I plan on fucking conceiving your baby tonight.Manny is a mass of screams and resistance on the inside, but I’m able to silence them effortlessly. The forcefulness of his resistance is more than it’s ever been, but I’m already so deeply rooted inside his body that it now views me as the alpha consciousness. His body’s loyalty has permanently switched, and Manny will never again be anything more than a silent passenger who I occasionally allow to speak for the entertainment value.Damn, the waves of resistance crashing through my body actually feel pretty good.Oh Manny! Keep doing whatever you’re doing! Your pathetic attempts at fighting me are sending chills down my spine. Oh man – each time you try to take control I feel a little push coming from the inside that makes my cock twitch. Fuck! It’s turning me on so much! Manny, you’re just making me more and more turned on! It’s like you want me to fuck your load into Jenna’s pussy!I’m a little sad when the resistance stops because I stop feeling those waves of pressure surging through me from the inside, traveling down my spinal cord and ricocheting throughout Manny’s meaty body for converging on his throbbing cock which is dripping with pre-cum as I crawl onto the bed on all fours and begin moving myself on top of Jenna who is now squirming in anticipation.Her eyes shoot open as I start stretching that cunt and sliding the head in.“Nnnnnnnnggggggggggg , MANNY!”“You alright Babe?!”“I’m still just so sensitive from when you-nnngggggg- you know. How much is left?”“I’m about halfway,” I tell her as I lean down and caress her face. I pull her into a passionate kiss, relaxing her as we taste each other’s mouths. When the moment is just right, I slam the last couple of inches into her, making her convulse from sensory overload as that sensitive cunt sends shockwaves crashing through her pussy and up her whole body. “Agggghhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!! MANNY!!!!” Jenna screams as she digs her nails into my back, making me growl as we both writhe together, joined in the most intimate way as I feel Jenna’s cunt trembling and squeezing my meat.“You’re so great babe!” I gasp as I start pulling out, feeling her cunt automatically tightening trying to keep me inside. “NNNGGGG FUCCCKKKKK!!!!” I grunt as I drive my dick all the way back inside. Jenna just gasps, a smile plastered across her face, lips in a wide open “O” with her toes curling wildly. While I build up my rhythm, sliding in and out, grinding and using Manny’s powerful body to give Jenna what she needs, I feel Manny again. I get shivers from the futile resistance. This is too good! I chuckle silently as I decide to let him speak. P-p-please!!!! You can’t! This is wrong! Get out of my fucking body!!!!!! The normally strong and confident Manny sobs in his mind.Face it Manny! You dickhead fucker! I’m a better Manny than you EVER were! I taunt him. Have you ever seen Jenna this happy?! Look how good I’m making her feel with your cock! She has a REAL lover now. Someone who can appreciate her and send her over the edge. I growl back at the ever hopeless Manny. B-b-but!I’m better than you! Just give in! You don’t have to fight it. Just agree that I’m the real Manny and your life will be better than it ever was. Manny went quiet for several moments, finally relenting: You’re right…I grin as I shut him up again, huffing and growling as I feel Manny’s robust nuts churning and pumping- getting this load ready to blow. “I’m close!” I exclaim as I keep pumping Jenna full, kissing her tasty lips and squeezing those tender breasts. “MANNY! I- aaaagggghhhhhhHH!!!!! I’m close too baby! I- OH GOD! Oh my GOD!!!!!” Jenna howls as the waves hit her sooner than expected. Her whole body tenses up as I feel her cunt quivering, trembling as the orgasm builds up. I thrust and pump into her faster and harder, driving this cock into her so she can have the orgasm she deserves. “nnnnnnngggggggggggggggg MANNY!” Jenna screams as her eyes shoot wide open and she begins gasping for breath, trying to yell but no sound comes out. The pressure building inside me reaches its limits as Jenna’s cunt starts vibrating with tension, squeezing me tight and milking me for all its worth. I go into a frenzy, slamming into her- pumping her full as I feel Manny’s baby cream flowing through into Manny’s cock before I thrust all the way back inside, howling wildly as the first load rockets out of me deep into Jenna’s hungry pussy. We both howl unintelligibly, grinding and thrusting against each other as we have the best orgasms of our lives. Our sweaty bodies glisten with pure joy as we calm down, my mass comfortably pinning her down to the bed as our breathing slows back to normal. Jenna stares at me in amazement for a blissful second before pulling me into a gentle kiss. “That was amazing, Manny.”I shut her up with my mouth while we cuddle away into the night. As we go to sleep I feel a warmth deep inside as I prepare to live Manny’s life to the fullest- Because I am Manny now.

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cryptiboy · 6 years

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morgue talks about musicals (for beginners)

you ever see those weird and flamboyant people who seem to live in the theater building at your school? ever wanna know what the fuck their talking about half the time? maybe you even secretly wanna be like those people, but have no clue where to start? this will probably not help you that much to achieve those things, but you will know of a few more musicals that you maybe didnt know about before, so here is some musicals that beginners should probably either know about or get into, with one or two niche musicals that normie thespians can get under their knowledge belt

Heathers: lets start with one you all know. based on the movie with Winona Ryder, this cheery musical delves into topics like bullying, suicide, mass murder, and like our director said, “basically every single trigger under the sun”

Newsies: i’m guessing most of you have heard of this one too, its gotten pretty popular again recently. highly political and fun, based on the newsboys strike of 1899 in new york

The Phantom Of The Opera: yes you should make yourself familiar with this one. something haunts the halls of an opera house, spooky shenanigans ensue.

Fiddler On The Roof: if you want to understand a single thing about whats going on when your with your theater friends ever, you gotta get into fiddler first. a major talk on religion, tradition, and family, with a dash of a taste of pre ww2 anti-semitism. always fun. one of the the shining examples of second act mood dip.

Les Miserables: yes, we all know les mis. but do you actually? have you joined the french revolution yet?? have you stood at the barricade yet??? have you?????

The Rocky Horror Picture Show: now one of the most controversial musicals among the lgbt community. spoiler alert, op thinks the musical is a good thing. a fun queer horror romp with so so so so SO much sex.

Hairspray: if you take anything away from this list, let it be hairspray. oppression, stigma, and discrimination in 1960s america. its nowhere near as upsetting as it sounds.

The Hunchback Of Notre Dame: hey remember the disney movie that scarred you for life? go rewatch it on stage. same music, sadder ending. because victor hugo hates us more than walt disney did. once again, heavy themes of opression and religion, but this time its 1482 and bad things just keep happening.

Ride The Cyclone: if you follow me you know how i feel about this extremely fun undergound musical. six teenagers from the st caspian choir die in a horrible roller coaster accident. thats just the first three minutes. theres still no official cast recording yet, but i made a guide a bit ago on how to get into it.

Repo The Genetic Opera: what the fuck is a genetic opera, you say? filled with gore, i reply. its got blood, its got guts, its got opera, its got darkly comedic political commentary. if youre into gore and unhealthy family dynamics, then this is your cup of tea. im serious about the gore though, guys.

Chicago: yes, everyone and their grandma has heard cell block tango. but do you know the entire story of Roxie Hart? take a peek into the lives of a 1920s murderers. no, none of the murderers are men. yes, it is raunchy.

Little Shop Of Horrors: hop on over to 1960s skid row to see some delightful horrors terrorize a florist and his community. creepy, tacky, and fun.

Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street: pies and cannibalism and family issues, oh my! fun victorian horror.

Rent: if you cant walk away from this with hairspray, walk away from this with rent. a late 20th century america look into poverty, queerness, hiv/aids, drug addiction, oppression, and found family.

there are so many other wonderful musicals out there, a lot of which i still havent gotten into yet, but these are some really great starter ones in my opinion. if you’re a thespian and have some reccs, feel free to add them on. (i left out grease because i have a lot of personal problems with it. it is a classic, and if you feel so compelled feel free to watch it, but i really dont think it should still be a part of must watch musicals.)

#musicals #theater #thespian #musical theater #tax pose

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ruckystarnes · 6 years

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AUTHOR: RuckyStarnes

WARNINGS: None

CHARACTERS: Steve Rogers, Bucky Barnes, OFC - Hazel Hamilton

WORDS: 1,858

A/N:

Unkept Promises Master List

Three | Four | Five

Chapter Four

January 1, 1940

Hazel,

Just wanted to let you know that Wisconsin is going well, not like you would care to hear that, but I thought maybe in some sort of marvel that you actually would be bothered by my well-being while I’m away. Schedule is pretty strict, almost grateful that Dad had warned me about it before I signed the papers. I hope Steve isn’t giving you too much trouble, though we both know that is a high hope.

I think you and Steve would like it here in the Midwest. Winter seems to be colder than New York, but the snow is just the same. I do miss all the lights and sounds that a busy city gives us, here it’s dark, but you can see the stars. They almost remind me of the way your eyes would shine when you would laugh at one of my lame jokes. Maybe after the war, I can bring you here, so you and Steve could see this place: hills and forests with very few houses. The nearest towns are about ten miles out, they said it would be almost four hours before you reach them by foot, but I heard they have some nice shops you would like. But I would definitely wouldn’t want to live here forever.

It’s just too quiet. And you’re not here. And Steve.

Bucky

January 17, 1940

Dear James,

I received your letter almost a week ago, and it took until now to read it, the pain too great to bring myself to read it. It hurt to find out that you were leaving, to do the very thing I did that you protested against. I do apologize for leaving that Christmas morning, not giving you the send off that you deserved. I was selfish and hurt, leaving you with Steve, whom I heard later gave you lecture about it. Now, I’m here trying to convince our little ankle biter to stop trying to enlist under false pretenses.

Just Monday, he tried to by being Steve Rogers from West Virginia. This boy is going to be the death of me if he does, by some miracle, get into the army, and I pray each night that he doesn’t. I also send a prayer up that you are protected by God Himself. I don’t care how much moxie you have, James Buchanan, but you get yourself back to Brooklyn; back home to us. To me.

Please ignore that, I blame it on the fact that I am practically doing your job of keeping Steve out of trouble and mending his wounds from such trouble. He got into a fight the other day because someone talked bad about the war across the ocean. He also has been to the gym, working the bag as he had said before, coming home with bruised knuckles and a black eye. Remind me to slap you along the side of your head when you get back for leaving us. I know Steve misses you, and I only sort of miss you, you fat-head.

I hope training is going swell for you and that you don’t change too much.

Sincerely, Hazel

January 18, 1940

The sound of the door slamming brought Hazel from her nap she had decided to take on the couch. She had just pulled a double at the hospital and she had to go in that night again, not waiting to complain because the money was enough to support both her and Steve, and to keep the rent so they could have a roof over their heads. For years, she had seen Sarah Rogers do just that to support both her son and Hazel herself, something Hazel never had been extremely grateful for until now. Sometimes the matron would work for days on end, coming home for a weekend or even just a day so she could check up on them, another thing Hazel didn’t understand and fully appreciate when she was adolescent.

Shuffled steps let her know it was Steve who had let himself in, making her smile at the fact he had remembered his key, or maybe he had used the hidden on under the brick by the door. Not like she could tell because she wasn’t awake to witness the cursing he would have done. He was trying to be quiet, knowing she needed her rest, but he bumped into something causing him to curse out loud, making her spring up and be right at his side.

“You okay Steve?” she asked softly, her arm going around his torso to support him as she checked him over with pinched brows.

“‘M fine, Hazel,” he replied in almost a low growl, but his face was pale and there were dark circles under his eyes. She didn’t say anything, just ushered him to the couch, making him sit so she could get some coffee for him. Her mouth was set into a thin line as she handed him the white cup, silently waiting for him to talk.

“Really, Haze, I’m okay,” he urged, his voice rough as if he had been at a Dodgers game.

“Where?”

Steve averted his eyes from her, unwilling to look at her. There needn’t any words to tell her where he had be in general, his look was enough to tell her that he had been to yet another enlisting office to see if he could join the fighting cause.

“Steve,” she whispered, “you can be of help here. There’s plenty of jobs that you can do…”

“No, Hazel,” he snapped, looking up at her with ferocity in his blue eyes. “I want to serve. I need to.”

“You don’t have to be your father, Steve,” she replied calmly, kneeling in front of him as her hand rested on his knee. He would never admit it, but the boy desperately wanted to be just like his stranger of a father who was killed in the Great War decades prior.

“This has nothing to do with him,” was his whispered reply, “You don’t understand what is happening over there.”

“Steve, no one can understand what is going on over there. All we know is what the radio tells us, and that’s controlled by Roosevelt and the other agencies. Even France doesn’t know, and I was there for a few months.” Her voice was soft, the voice she reserved for difficult patients that were slipping from this life.

The look soften on his face as his eyes shifted to the pad of paper on the small table next to the couch. She knew he could see the looped letters of Bucky’s name and possibly the whole body of text she had written, but he would never say anything. Not since Christmas when he called her a dumb Dora, which earned a slap across his face that he rightfully deserved in her eyes.

She chewed her lip as she got up and sat next to him on the couch. “I miss him too,” she muttered, her cheeks starting to burn. Their friend had only been gone not even a month yet, and it seemed like they were falling apart at the seams. Steve was constantly at enlisting offices, trying his best at lying to get into the Army, or at the gym trying to improve the little strength he had to stave off bullies or people who pick on him because he was the little guy, or he was at the movies, watching the pre-show newsreels to see how the war was going in Europe. At the same time, Hazel busied herself at the Jewish hospital, picking up whatever shift she could to make ends meet or to keep herself busy so she didn’t have to think about Bucky or Steve.

“He’s smitten with you, you know that?” His voice was barely a whisper, but it felt like he screamed the fact right in her face.

“Never once had he shown me he was interested,” she replied coolly, making it seem like it wasn’t a big deal for her.

“He brought you flowers for your birthday.”

“I hate daisies. You both know that.”

“He carried your books in school.”

“Because he wanted to look unavailable to Esther.”

“He would always buy you the candy you liked at Coney Island.”

“Then take me on the Cyclone so I would throw up. Steve, we can go on and on and on about this. Bucky used me as way out of things with other girls, and half the time I let him because I couldn’t see my best friend being with such able gables and it’s bad enough that when he comes back, more of them are going to want him because he’s in uniform.” She stopped abruptly, her eyes narrowing as she turned towards him. “Is that why you are trying to enlist? To get some broad to look at you the way they look at Bucky?”

“No!” Steve answered quickly, “that’s what most of those Joes want. What is with girls and the sight of uniforms?”

“Don’t look at me,” Hazel stated, her hands in the air, “I don’t fall for the show. It’s what in his head that matters to me.”

“What about Bucky’s head?” Steve pushed.

“Steven,” she replied warily.

“What? You two could round and round on topics that are being argued in Washington and you don’t find his thoughts or ideas something you like.”

“We are usually in opposition of each other.”

“Ma always said that opposites attract. Also said that you and Bucky would tie the knot. Even his ma was in that wager.” Steve looked down at his hands, fingers picking imaginary lint from his pants. “Becca would love you for a sister.”

“How is Becca? And their parents?” she asked softly, anything to get off the subject of her and Bucky being a couple, or even married.

“She’s fine. Misses him just like the rest of us. She misses you too. She was at the gym yesterday asking if I knew when you would be home so you two could go for a soda or something.” He looked up at his friend and smiled softly. “I think being around me hurts her more, since Bucky’s usually right there.”

“I’ll swing by their place tomorrow after work if I have time. I’ll even send her a letter. Now, let’s get you something to eat and some tea. It’s suppose to be windy tonight, and I haven’t been able to get a newspaper to help with the drafts.”

She got up from the couch and walked to the kitchen area, filling the kettle before lighting the flame to heat. Her mind was wandering around what Steve had said, the idea of bother Bucky’s mother and her adoptive one hoped that they would be together. Three years ago, she would have gagged at the idea, even tell the poor women off if they told her such a thing, but now? It stirred something inside her that she couldn’t place. She wish she had Bucky right there then so she could smack his stupid face for making her feel out of sorts.

#steve rogers #bucky barnes #steve rogers imagine #steve rogers fanfic #steve rogers fanfiction #bucky barnes imagine #bucky barnes fanfic #bucky barnes fanficiton #steve rogers x ofc #bucky barnes x ofc #unkept promises #ruckystarnes

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babakziai · 5 years

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1. The Ministry of Fear for Seamus Deane Well, as Kavanagh said, we have lived In important places. The lonely scarp Of St Columb’s College, where I billeted For six years, overlooked your Bogside. I gazed into new worlds: the inflamed throat Of Brandywell, its floodlit dogtrack, The throttle of the hare. In the first week I was so homesick I couldn’t even eat The biscuits left to sweeten my exile. I threw them over the fence one night In September 1951 When the lights of houses in the Lecky Road Were amber in the fog. It was an act Of stealth. Then Belfast, and then Berkeley. Here’s two on’s are sophisticated, Dabbling in verses till they have become A life: from bulky envelopes arriving In vacation time to slim volumes Despatched `with the author’s compliments’. Those poems in longhand, ripped from the wire spine Of your exercise book, bewildered me— Vowels and ideas bandied free As the seed-pods blowing off our sycamores. I tried to write about the sycamores And innovated a South Derry rhyme With hushed and lulled full chimes for pushed and pulled. Those hobnailed boots from beyond the mountain Were walking, by God, all over the fine Lawns of elocution. Have our accents Changed? ‘Catholics, in general, don’t speak As well as students from the Protestant schools.’ Remember that stuff? Inferiority Complexes, stuff that dreams were made on. ‘What’s your name, Heaney?’ ‘Heaney, Father.’ ‘Fair Enough.’ On my first day, the leather strap Went epileptic in the Big Study, Its echoes plashing over our bowed heads, But I still wrote home that a boarder’s life Was not so bad, shying as usual. On long vacations, then, I came to life In the kissing seat of an Austin 16 Parked at a gable, the engine running, My fingers tight as ivy on her shoulders, A light left burning for her in the kitchen. And heading back for home, the summer’s Freedom dwindling night by night, the air All moonlight and a scent of hay, policemen Swung their crimson flashlamps, crowding round The car like black cattle, snuffing and pointing The muzzle of a Sten gun in my eye: ‘What’s your name, driver?’ ‘Seamus …’ Seamus? They once read my letters at a roadblock And shone their torches on your hieroglyphics, ‘Svelte dictions’ in a very florid hand. Ulster was British, but with no rights on The English lyric: all around us, though We hadn’t named it, the ministry of fear. 2. A Constable Calls His bicycle stood at the window-sill, The rubber cowl of a mud-splasher Skirting the front mudguard, Its fat black handlegrips Heating in sunlight, the ‘spud’ Of the dynamo gleaming and cocked back, The pedal treads hanging relieved Of the boot of the law. His cap was upside down On the floor, next his chair. The line of its pressure ran like a bevel In his slightly sweating hair. He had unstrapped The heavy ledger, and my father Was making tillage returns In acres, roods, and perches. Arithmetic and fear. I sat staring at the polished holster With its buttoned flap, the braid cord Looped into the revolver butt. ‘Any other root crops? Mangolds? Marrowstems? Anything like that?’ ‘No.’ But was there not a line Of turnips where the seed ran out In the potato field? I assumed Small guilts and sat Imagining the black hole in the barracks. He stood up, shifted the baton-case Farther round on his belt, Closed the domesday book, Fitted his cap back with two hands, And looked at me as he said goodbye. A shadow bobbed in the window. He was snapping the carrier spring Over the ledger. His boot pushed off And the bicycle ticked, ticked, ticked. 3. Orange Drums, Tyrone, 1966 The lambeg balloons at his belly, weighs Him back on his haunches, lodging thunder Grossly there between his chin and his knees. He is raised up by what he buckles under. Each arm extended by a seasoned rod, He parades behind it. And though the drummers Are granted passage through the nodding crowd, It is the drums preside, like giant tumours. To every cocked ear, expert in its greed, His battered signature subscribes ‘No Pope’. The goatskin’s sometimes plastered with his blood. The air is pounding like a stethoscope. 4. Summer 1969 While the Constabulary covered the mob Firing into the Falls, I was suffering Only the bullying sun of Madrid. Each afternoon, in the casserole heat Of the flat, as I sweated my way through The life of Joyce, stinks from the fishmarket Rose like the reek off a flax-dam. At night on the balcony, gules of wine, A sense of children in their dark corners, Old women in black shawls near open windows, The air a canyon rivering in Spanish. We talked our way home over starlit plains Where patent leather of the Guardia Civil Gleamed like fish-bellies in flax-poisoned waters. ‘Go back,’ one said, ‘try to touch the people.’ Another conjured Lorca from his hill. We sat through death-counts and bullfight reports On the television, celebrities Arrived from where the real thing still happened. I retreated to the cool of the Prado. Goya’s ‘Shootings of the Third of May’ Covered a wall—the thrown-up arms And spasm of the rebel, the helmeted And knapsacked military, the efficient Rake of the fusillade. In the next room, His nightmares, grafted to the palace wall— Dark cyclones, hosting, breaking; Saturn Jewelled in the blood of his own children, Gigantic Chaos turning his brute hips Over the world. Also, that holmgang Where two berserks club each other to death For honour’s sake, greaved in a bog, and sinking. He painted with his fists and elbows, flourished The stained cape of his heart as history charged. 5. Fosterage for Michael McLaverty ‘Description is revelation!’ Royal Avenue, Belfast, 1962, A Saturday afternoon, glad to meet Me, newly cubbed in language, he gripped My elbow. ‘Listen. Go your own way. Do your own work. Remember Katherine Mansfield—I will tell How the laundry basket squeaked … that note of exile.’ But to hell with overstating it: ‘Don’t have the veins bulging in your Biro.’ And then, ‘Poor Hopkins!’ I have the Journals He gave me, underlined, his buckled self Obeisant to their pain. He discerned The lineaments of patience everywhere And fostered me and sent me out, with words Imposing on my tongue like obols. 6. Exposure It is December in Wicklow: Alders dripping, birches Inheriting the last light, The ash tree cold to look at. A comet that was lost Should be visible at sunset, Those million tons of light Like a glimmer of haws and rose-hips, And I sometimes see a falling star. If I could come on meteorite! Instead I walk through damp leaves, Husks, the spent flukes of autumn, Imagining a hero On some muddy compound, His gift like a clingstone Whirled for the desperate. How did I end up like this? I often think of my friends’ Beautiful prismatic counselling And the anvil brains of some who hate me As I sit weighing and weighing My responsible tristia. For what? For the ear? For the people? For what is said behind-backs? Rain comes down through the alders, Its low conducive voices Mutter about let-downs and erosions And yet each drop recalls The diamond absolutes. I am neither internee nor informer; An inner émigré, grown long-haired And thoughtful; a wood-kerne Escaped from the massacre, Taking protective colouring From bole and bark, feeling Every wind that blows; Who, blowing up these sparks For their meagre heat, have missed The once-in-a-lifetime portent, The comet’s pulsing rose. Seamus Heaney, “Singing School” from Opened Ground: Selected Poems 1966-1996. Copyright © 1998 by Seamus Heaney. Used by permission of Farrar, Straus & Giroux, LLC, https://ift.tt/1qc5Is0. All rights reserved. Source: Opened Ground: Selected Poems 1966-1996(Farrar Straus and Giroux, 1998) Seamus Heaney BiographyMore poems by this author Poem of the Day: Singing School Poem of the Day: Singing School Poem of The Day {$excerpt:n} Source: Poem of The Day

http://babakziai.org/poem-of-the-day-singing-school/

#Poetry #Babak Ziai

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askwwwwd · 6 years

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WHAT WOULD WONDER WOMAN DO?...about the lack of truth in society? (Originally published March 1, 2018)

Christie Marston, granddaughter of Wonder Woman creator is quoted saying that, “Wonder Woman is about two things: Love and Fair Play”. Last year I wrote a “WWWWD about the Inauguration of Donald J. Trump” article which weighed extra heavy on one of her primary messages: Love. It’s been just over a year since his inauguration, and after a cyclone of events, I have no choice but to now focus on her secondary message: Fair Play. Why, you ask? Because over the last 60 weeks there has been a barrage of behaviors encouraging inequality which has included (but is not limited to): name calling, bullying, taunting, intimidation, misinformation, misrepresentation, and just plain ole’ lying coming from the current Executive Branch of this White House administration. It has has both disappointed me and hurt me in multiple ways. I am disappointed because I initially embraced with a open heart, gave the benefit of the doubt, and based my stance on Wonder Woman’s first message (love). As as minority, it has hurt me to see an attempt to retract civil rights, religious groups overtly legally assaulted, and minorities (including many of my own) vilified (often via dog whistle politics). Yet, of all the behaviors, it’s the blatant lying and endorsement of easily provable lies, which has stood out to me as the most problematic.

Truth is a through line which operates as a foundation that unites us. It’s a cohesive material for societal unity and productivity, but over the last 2 years the idea of truth has been corroded, and incendiary behavior has been glorified. At this very moment someone is reading this and pontificating how invalid it is to claim that anyone in power has purported lies, even as evidence exists proving that lies have been purported. Truth plays one of the most important parts in the equation for ensuring fair play. “We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal.” Yet, as we know, all men are not treated equally, and this unequal treatment is reinforced. Since the birth of our great nation, we can trace how the inequalities to which we give merit are often based on misconception, perception, assumption, and preconceived notions; A lack of facts and/or truth.

Seeing this happen with such alarming frequency over the last year, and seeing an entire branch of the Government in support of it, has created an internal conflict for me. I want to support and I want to walk the path of love, but I am torn. Why does history keep repeating itself? What can I do to help in the efforts to ensure Fair Play for all? And how can I walk the path of the warrior of peace? Today, I plan on taking a very good look at why we as humans operate on perception, assumption, and preconceived notions, and how we can correct it by asking what, for me, has become ‘the age old question’. It’s time for me to ask, ‘What Would Wonder Woman Do’ about the lack of truth in American society?

NO ONE CAN RESIST THE GOLDEN LASSO

First off, let me address what many who are reading this column for the first or second time might be thinking, which is that Wonder Woman and politics don’t mix. This is false. The truth is that Wonder Woman was born out of politics. She was conceived in 1941 during World War II as a piece of psychological propaganda to assist humanity in course correcting from the atrocious hate and oppression of the time, and was even based off many of the inequalities of the time; Specifically those suffered by women. Love and Fair Play were the messages Wonder Woman brought forth as a necessary antidote needed back then. It would seem they are needed again, and more than ever before. The division in culture and polarization of sides, has required her equally binary message. A vital and absolutely necessary element for us to again course correct in our current era. But how do we include them? Well, we must first have truth. As the bible says, “...you will know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” (John 8:32). Truth and authenticity are a catalyst. An access to power, if you will, which seems to also be a biblical idea, and has transcended the centuries.

As a psychologist, Dr. William Moulton Marston must have been tapped into this idea, as the Amazing Amazon seemed to often utilize truth as a kind of weapon in her fight against hate and oppression during the Marston adventures; Mostly retrieving essential information during brief interrogation to aid her in apprehending villains. As a graduate student at Harvard, he began introducing some of his theory about truth, and became the forefather of the lie detector. So, it’s not surprising that many of Diana’s stories included this and sometimes visually reflected the process used in his systolic blood pressure test machine. I can only guess all of the aforementioned is why the lasso’s power, which was originally that of compulsion, was naturally associated with and evolved to also be a lasso of truth.

There really is something spiritually foundational to the human experience about truth as an access to power. I’ve been so happy to bear witness to so many Wonder Woman writers and artists explore this idea. George Perez , Phil Jimenez, Gail Simone, and Greg Rucka are those that immediately come to mind. In Rucka’s run, aptly titled “Lies & the Truth”, there are two scenes that perfectly illustrate this. The first is a scene drawn by Nicola Scott where the truth was a basic and there was actually space and room for compassion and fairness. This is an immaculate depiction of the exact representation our heroine brings forth. It’s what Wonder Woman is about. It is her message. It is who she is as a character. Her ability to use truth as a tool for love’s healing, unification, communion, and ability to open the door for providing fairness. It’s power is unmistakable and it’s concept has always been an essential component of the Wonder Woman mythos. But how do we emulate her example?

LASSO THE TRUTH

There is one truth to which I’m very present, and it is that lying originates from one place: us. Due to human nature, we as individuals are the author of lies. The genesis of a lie is on the individual level. However, they become potent on the collective level. It’s through the process of agreement reality which spreads lies in virus-like fashion, and gives them the power of creating chaos, division, and inequality. Therefore, I believe that if we can learn to correct a lie at it’s inception, which is on the individual level, we will almost self-innoculate. My theory is that this is cone by following Wonder Woman’s child-like inquisitional example of ‘Lassoing The Truth’ in ourselves.

In similar fashion that Phil Jimenez’s Wonder Woman was forced to be authentic while wearing the lasso, we must develop ways to detect the lies within ourselves. Lie detection seemed to be one of Dr. Marston’s specialties, as some of his most popular professional psychological work revolved around the topic. I think that it’s important to note that WMM III observed that lying puts stress on the body. So it would be easy to conclude that being truthful was healthier. Since Marston began his work as a Harvard graduate, I thought it might be interesting to look at another Harvard graduate’s work, who’s work paralleled his, focusing on how humans “short circuit” reality based on the assumptions and beliefs we develop; Basically how we create lies. I’m talking about Chris Argyris’s Ladder Of Inference. The Ladder consists of seven steps which may happen thousands of times a day, and examines how we (in the blink of an eye) process experiences. I’ve ordered the seven steps into 3 sections with corresponding advice on how we might follow Wonder Woman’s example and lasso the truth in ourselves. I hope you enjoy!

FACTS:

STEP ONE in the Ladder of Inference is where we first take in the facts of a situation. It’s where we get the raw data and observations of our experiences. I put this step in a category all by itself because it’s after this first step that we begin to veer off course. However, if we had not abandoned facts in the first place, which are the foundation of truth, then we probably would not need to move to the next step.

Truth, like love, can be a powerful weapon and force, which can even turn the tide of a war. Screen capture from Wonder Woman courtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment.

In her early adventures, Wonder Woman’s need for authentic and accurate information in her fight against hate and oppression was invaluable, and we saw in the Wonder Woman movie starring Gal Gadot that this idea hasn’t changed. Yet acquiring factual information is not often an easy task. Being in a brand new and strange patriarchal society, I am sure Diana would often want to reject the atrocities she perceived around her. Yet she continually chooses to understand and accept what is going on around her. She stays true to the circumstances. If she didn’t then she wouldn’t be able to properly affect change. Staying true to the circumstances is not an easy task, but it is one that we can replicate even without gods given powers. Therefore, to me this reminds us that we must follow in her footsteps of ALWAYS sticking to the truth.

FABRICATION OF FICTION:

Next four steps in the Ladder Of Inference (2, 3, 4, & 5) are the parts where we begin to filter and fabricate from the experiences that we have. STEP TWO (Ffiltering) is where we, based on our preferences, tendencies, and many other aspects that we believe are important, we filter specific information and details from our experiences. In STEP THREE (Assign Meaning) is where we begin interpreting what our information is telling us, and assign meaning to the information that we have filtered through. STEP FOUR (Assumptions) is where we blur the distinction between what is fact and what is story and develop presumptions. In STEP THREE (Conclusions) is where we have emotional reactions due to the conclusions we have developed based on our assumptions.

Since all of these steps have to do with bias, I clumped them all together. During the early Marston adventures, the golden lasso was often utilized to get people to obey commands in an effort to help them become better. In Sensation Comics #19, Wonder Woman herself falls off course and is prey to falling off course. The magic lasso is used to bring her back to her senses and get her back on track. To me, this illustrated how we as humans can do our own course correcting. ‘Habitualizing’ following the path of truth, can help us bypass the human need to (often inaccurately) assign meaning, make assumptions, and draw conclusions. Therefore, I see the second lesson is that we must learn objectivity.

FOLLOW BLINDLY:

The last two steps (6 and 7) in the ladder have to do with how we exist in the world around us. In STEP SIX we (including the person or people involved in our current experience) adjust our beliefs about the world around us. Then in STEP SEVEN (take action) based on our adjusted beliefs, we take actions.

If you haven’t based things on fact, and aren’t objective, then these two last steps can have the consequences which lead to us acting upon our personal assumptions and conclusions, or following blindly without the truth. During many of her early adventures, Wonder Woman is seen questioning people in

counseling (‘tell me your story’), investigatory, and interrogatory fashions. Following others blindly didn’t seem to be how she operated. I believe this is because she had a strong core and center. Matter of fact, she even reveals at one very early point that the secret to her strength lies in her confidence. Christianity refers to truth as piece of the Armor of God, sometimes called The belt of Truth, in Ephesians 6:10-18. I find it to be no coincidence that, in the New Testament, truth is depicted as a belt which girds your center, or ‘hara’ as it is called in some Martial Arts, the cradle of the Soul. It is the intersection of mind and body. Therefore, I believe that this brings us to our last and final lesson. In order to have confidence, we must truly Know ourselves.

CHANGE OUR MINDS, CHANGE THE WORLD

Over the past year and a half, I have seen many in society willfully ignoring facts, and still presenting them as a true story. This is what lying is, and It leaves us powerless, creates conflict, and corrodes the cohesive material needed to unify us, which is truth. After reaching into Wonder Woman’s mythology, I found her golden lasso to be a metaphor for how to emulate her example. We must follow in her footsteps and lasso The Truth, specifically in ourselves, because that is the birthplace of all lies. Each one of us are a part of the global society, and share the responsibility of adhering to the ideal of truth. Therefore, Wonder woman’s example can only exult and heal us.

Lassoing the truth in ourselves can be difficult, because it requires a level of vulnerability. But as Marston observed, lying actually puts stress on the body, while being vulnerable, truthful, and authentic allows us to operate in better health, and is an access to incredible power. In a sense, learning this tool is a kind of rigorous Amazon training. Work and training is not an easy path, but the rewards are well worth it. If we practice always sticking to the truth,

practice learning objectivity, and practice knowing ourselves, we will be lassoing the truth in no time! Additionally, the faster that we as a society learn being truthful, the sooner we will see our collective consciousness unify and grow along with our increased productivity. So go out and develop your own practices for sticking to the truth, being objective, and knowing yourself. Share your practices with your friends. It’s how you will lasso the truth, and I truly believe it’s what Wonder Woman would do. And as George Perez’s Diana said, “Remember your power!”. With it, we truly can change the world.

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