Ain't no rest for the wicked

Money don't grow on trees I got bills to pay I got mouths to feed There ain't nothin' in this world for free 

[little-earthquakes-rp]

When The Past Can’t Help but  Haunt~ Manny & Lennon

Only one more week to make it through before fall semester started, and Lennon could have a bit more room to breath without having to find an excuse to hide from Manny. The thought made her feel shameful knowing he deserved better than it, but she had become consumed with fear of having him witness another panic attack. After the last meltdown almost cost them their relationship Lennon had slipped further into confusion and depression. The easiest way to cope was to stay away from him in the hope it would go unnoticed. Several days had been spent contemplating on how to remedy everything, but friends seemed to be wrapped up in their own drama to be pulled into hers. The thought of seeking out another therapist was too much. Worry ebbed in the back of her mind playing havoc on her nerves that they would make similar assessments like Sharon. If that wasn’t enough stress the thought of disappointing Mr. Kennedy waved heavily as well.  She felt utterly and completely stuck, and hoped that whatever this was would lift.  

Walking into the Top Hat she waved at the familiar faces heading towards the back. The black t-shirt she wore hung a little looser as the stress of he summer brought on a dip in her weight which was noticeable on her already small frame. Sometimes the subconscious plays out in mysterious ways. Eating was a task most days. Normally, she would’ve spent hours loitering at the club if Manny happened to be there working, but now she slipped in a few minutes before her shift and cut out as soon as it was over. Always ready with an excuse about Max, Finn, or schoolwork. She would even duck out from spending the night at his house so she could go home to her apartment. Walking past his office she stopped and turned once she realized he was there. She walked back and stood in the the doorway; hip leaning on the frame. “Hey, Manny. How’s it going?”  

Knowing she needed to be out on the floor soon, and couldn’t spend too much time dallying around she pushed off the frame and walked into the office. Tucking a lock of hair behind her ear she smiled sheepishly before gently leaned on the desk she tried her best to push a smile, but the tension between them made it difficult. Knowing it was her doing only added to the burden she felt. It was hard to even look him in eye at times afraid he would see the doubt she had would easily be read. Gazing down at the desk she focused on a pen. She could only guess what he was thinking, and felt the need to apologize, “Sorry I’ve been so busy lately with everything.” Sighing she looked up and across the room before she added, “I wish I could say it’s going to get better, but in another week the new semester starts, I picked up some volunteer hours at the hospital-Gabe’s suggestion, and-well yeah.” Finally looking into his eyes which glimmered like a rich disapore gem she licked her bottom lip before offering a more sincere apology wishing she could unload all the things that tore at her insides. “I really am sorry.”  

@mannybenedict

[mannybenedict]

Life had not been going the way Manny had hoped. After the big blow out with Lennon, he’d hoped things would smooth out and they’d go back to a relative normal pattern. That had not happened. The two sat in her apartment for hours talking and reconnecting and pretty much as soon as they were alone again Lennon started to slip away again. It was a hard call for him to make because he loved her so much, but she was not the girl she once was and facing her demons were the only hope of seeing that glimmer once again. As hard as it was, Manny decided not to push. He stayed in contact – called and sent texts but he did his best not to guilt trip.

What made everything harder was work. He could see in her body language and in her eyes just how overwhelmed she still was and there was nothing he could do without running the risk of her pulling away completely. The debate raged in his head and they’d shared hugs and a few uninitmate kisses – nothing like they’d shared in the past. He was not only losing the woman he loved but his best friend and it felt deep inside like he was dying a little with each passing day. With the end of the semester Manny hoped things would smooth out but the pressure was obviously too much. Part of him wanted to go to Kennedy and talk to him about his part but he didn’t want Kennedy to think that Lennon was failing. Kennedy also had so much going on himself and at the present moment he wasn’t even in town.

Instead Manny sucked it up each time Lennon was in his presence. When she leaned against the bar he did his best to smile so she would not witness his inner torment. “Hey Lemon Drop,” he took to wiping down a part on the bar he’d already wiped down. Choking back his fears as she started rambling about the new semester, the new duties, working two jobs and spending even more time with Gabriel Barrister. The man clearly hated Kennedy Mitchell and it would be bad for Lennon is Gabriel found out Lennon was being financially backed like he’d been all those years ago. Manny hoped that Gabriel would not be a bad influence but there was no guarantee especially with how vulnerable Lennon was right now with all her confusion over her past, Brian, Max, and worse Adam Koval.

“That sounds like a lot. You going to be okay interning and working here? I mean, I can cut back your hours if you need. I know you need the money but I don’t want you so overworked that you can’t work if you know what I mean.” He’d never cut her hours without her consent. Lennon was damn good at what she did and he knew she was going to make an excellent nurse one day. She’d get the chance to prove to all those in the past that doubted her and even that bitch therapist Sharon that she could do things on her own without the help of a man. If anyone was going to survive and maintain her independence it would be Lennon. The very thought made him shutter. He wanted her to be successful but her desire to not be dependent meant he was not really needed either. “You just let me know and I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

[mannybenedict]

Tension Rising | Manny&Lennon

[little-earthquakes-rp]

The clank of the car door was the only thing she heard over the rapid beating of her own heart. If someone had along offering her the ability to crawl out of her skin she would take them up on the offer at the time.  She was a bastion of hurt and confusion, and rather then sit in the truck with Manny destroying their relationship any further she just assume run away, and try to clear hear head. With each step towards the front door her feet seemed to become heavier as guilt crashed against her ribs threatening to squeeze breath from her lungs. Much like the night of charity event she found herself immersed in another panic attack.

Lennon stopped for a moment to gather her bearings, and tried to convince herself to keep her feet moving before she froze in that very spot. However, that proved to be difficult when she recalled the look of Manny’s face just before leaving him alone in the truck. He looked wounded and knowing she was the cause was devastating. She was so lost in her own self deprecating thoughts that she had no idea he was behind her until he called out, and even then she was too ashamed to turn and face him. Feeling the grip on her elbow she allowed herself to be guided as he turned her to face him. With red rimmed eyes she looked up as he confessed his love, and asked for her to reconsider. She was about to apologize when he reached down and pulled her into his massive arms.  Closing her eyes she trusted what would come next, and felt his lips press earnestly  against her own. 

Lifting her arms she wrapped them around his neck, and pulled out of the kiss only briefly so she could breathe the breath which had been lodged earlier. Inhaling she brought her lips back to his own pressed them sincerely to his. They stayed wrapped in one another, and she felt as if she was siphoning some of his strength. Pulling back she rested her forehead on his, and sighed as she began to settle down. Looking into his pained eyes she said quietly, “Don’t let me go Manny. I’m sorry for hurting you-just please don’t let me go ever. Don’t let me ruin us. Your the best thing that has ever happened to me. I’ll get better…I’ll be better I promise.” The fact that he was willing to fight when she felt so lost meant all the difference. It seemed to calm the chaos and doubt which came to a sudden halt.

Dropping her head to his shoulder she felt safe cradled in his arms, the heaviness of the anxiety which felt suffocating dissipated, and she couldn’t help but wonder if his touch could fix anything. Adjusting slightly she pressed a kiss onto his neck before she asked, “Will you come inside with me.” She then pushed off of him slightly seeing if he was going to let her go before she slid down the man. Granted she knew Manny would carry her in she didn’t want any neighbors to misunderstand the situation given she looked so upset. Loosely she gripped his thumb, and waited for him to lead as she whispered, “I love you.”

[mannybenedict]

Manny knew there were many things in his life he’d failed out. He was also a realist and knew there would be plenty more. His relationship with Lennon was not one of those things because it was not something he was willing to give up so easily. His siblings were worth fighting for, his friends and most certainly the woman he loved. There was no turning back once he confessed his feelings and even though she felt right and the moment flowed, Manny had long worried that they’d jumped in to bed too soon.

It was all the months of pent up sexual frustration. They were clearly physically attracted to each other but Manny knew he was in love with Lennon’s mind too, her humor and above all things her heart. He was drawn to her the moment he interviewed her and he let that time of friendship become a courting period when in reality it was anything but. When you pursue a lady she must know you are doing it. The man didn’t have a lot of examples to learn from seeing how young he was when his father died. He just tried to be the best he could be after the incident with Norah. He’d given up that feeling of frustration and adopted a very Taoist or Buddhist outlook on life; something of harmony and void of anger since he wasn’t really practicing religion.

If there were anything religious in his life it was his feelings toward Lennon. She was his everything and he would sacrifice it all for her happiness. He knew she was in danger of angering Kennedy and that scared him. He’d had the thought he would kill the gangster if need be but that would only make Manny a target for Pavlo Terasenko or Oscar Bulworth. There would be no coming back from that and likely no hiding it if either of them knew Lennon was a target. He needed to help her get her focus back – not just for them as a couple but because her safety was at stake.

“I will never let you go, Lemon Drop. I need you too much.” He relished her touch and her kiss and nearly melted over how she felt wrapped so tightly in his arms. Her warmth radiated off her like he was holding the sun – the biggest similarities that they both gave life. “You are my world and no matter the hiccup, I won’t abandon you. I am not him and I am not who that woman wants you to believe I am. I am the man that loves you.”

Letting her slide down his body, even though he wanted greatly to keep her in his arms, Manny knew it was time to end the show for the neighbors. It wasn’t the beset complex in Long Beach and he could see curtains pulled back as people gawked at the two formally bickering love birds. “Of course I will come inside. You don’t even have to twist my arm.” The big man smiled as she took his thumb. “Lead the way.”

[wnq-writers]

I don’t want someone who gives me butterflies. I want someone who will make me feel safe.

restless–dream (via wnq-writers)

@mannybenedict

(via lennon-connelly-rp)

I hope I give you both butterflies and the feeling of safety.

[jason-the-best-momoa-deactivate]

Jason Momoa by photographer Cullin Tobin on Instagram

[little-earthquakes-rp]

Unexpected Calvary// Norah, Manny and Lennon

The last place she expected to find herself at 3am was standing outside the apartment of Norah Baldwin in front of a broken down door. Patiently she waited for Manny to come back who went ahead to make sure it was safe. Sleeping peacefully burrowed in his large arms she was awoken by the repetitive ringing of his cell. She almost sleepily grabbed for the phone herself, but his long arm released her and stretched across the bed to the night stand. It was hard to make sense of what was being said on the other end, but Lennon felt the moment his body tensed underneath, and she became worried something had happened to one his beloved siblings. Sleepily she sat up and pulled the covers around her chest attempting some modesty as she watched a variance of expression pull over Manny face. She reached out resting a hand on his thick shoulder. Once he hung up he explained everything, and Lennon was struck by flurry of emotions but the most surprising were sympathy and sadness. In the end as he readied around her she slipped out of bed wanting to be of some help as well.

Manny came back and pulled open the door which was ripped from the hinges at the bottom causing it to scrape loudly against the floor. Stepping inside the place looked as if it had been tossed or something, and her heart sang knowing that Norah was probably fighting for her life. Lennon reached out for his hand, and followed behind him. “Are you sure we shouldn’t call the police, or something.”  It was a silly question considering the amount of distrust they all held for the Long Beach finest.  Finally making it the bathroom Lennon could see the blood contrasted against the white tile floor, “Jesus,” rushed past her lips but stopped when she saw the shape Norah was in. Reaching for her bag she pulled out some supplies she had gathered before leaving her apartment. Unsure of what else to say she mumbled to the battered blonde, “Sorry-hey can I help you.” The last thing she wanted was to impede on her level of comfort after such a heinous thing had been done to the poor woman. 

@norah-baldwin

@mannybenedict

[mannybenedict]

In all the time that Manny and Lennon had been a couple, he’d felt very free to talk to her about his past with Norah. Before they were a couple he’d explained that he had dated a woman from his time at the Inferno but that they were no longer together because she had cheated and Manny had let his temper get the better of him. He was shocked when Norah strolled through the doors of the Top Hat and even more surprised that she’d come looking for work. There certainly was hesitation, but only because, for Manny, he didn’t want Lennon to feel like he still had feelings for Norah. He also didn’t like the idea of Norah playing games and attempting to ruin his blossoming relationship.

Both women acted like adults and even though Manny consulted with Lennon about hiring Norah the two came to an agreement since Lennon would be the one training the former stripper. Both were well aware of her past at the Inferno and the reasons she was fired from the place so in reality there was a pang of fear that raced through Manny when he heard the tremble in Norah’s voice. He hadn’t even paid attention to the caller ID on his cell when it rang; annoyed that he was being taken from a comfortable sleep but there was no other reason for Norah to call him – let alone that early in the morning – unless something was amiss.

At first Manny feared what Lennon would think about him jumping out of bed to run to Norah’s rescue, but the reality was Lennon knew the truth about Clive and Seth and the abuse that got her fired to begin with. It was bullshit on Seth’s part to think he’d fire both of them for Clive’s action but he was running a lot of illegal shit out of the club so despite being angry about how unjust it was Manny just took it as making sense. In the end he’d gotten a pretty okay waitress out of the deal. Slowly opening the door he didn’t think Clive was still present but he didn’t want to take that chance – not with Lennon there.

She was going to nursing school and even though she wasn’t that far in it was a good opportunity too. He swept through the tiny one bedroom apartment rather quickly before spotting her leg in the bathroom. He could see her moving and knew she was still alive but didn’t want to upset her without letting Lennon know it was safe to come in. Once inside he did his best to shut the door so they could find out exactly what happened and if she indeed needed to go to the hospital. “Let’s find out the full details and then we’ll see. This might be a job for Kennedy.” The couple knew exactly what that meant. Once you worked for Mr. Mitchell you became part of a family that the gangster fiercely protected.

@norah-baldwin

[mauloabook]

Native series #7: Great Plains couple 💕 #JasonMomoa #Lisa Bonet #NativeAmerican #PlainsIndians #Tribal #PrideOfGypsies #LilakoiMoon

[jason-the-best-momoa-deactivate]

[emerald-blues]

Visit Original Link

[mannybenedict]

Baby, please don't go Baby, please don't go Baby, please don't go, down to New Orleans You know I love you so

@lennon-connelly-rp

[mannybenedict]

[mannybenedict]

Tension Rising | Manny&Lennon

[little-earthquakes-rp]

Lennon looked up through tear glossed eyes, and shook her head when he asked about her father. “No, not really. Only that he was from Columbia.” She recounted the time they spent at Kennedy’s Mexican beach house. The man had spoken much about his love for his siblings, and grandmother; however very little was said about his father. Tilting her head she listened, and could see the deep pain reflected in his eyes. This was obvious something he carried around like a burden, and she couldn’t help but reach out to him resting her hand on his thick wrist. She needed to offer some support; somehow despite she had erroneously flinched only minutes ago when he raised his hand.  The fact that he was opening up about it to her made her heart sink a bit, and it brought a certain gravity to the moment. Look at them both! Consumed by fear that history may repeat itself. Lifting her hand she lightly ran it up and down his forearm in a petting manner. She couldn’t help but wonder if Manny was torturing himself by comparing his way of life with his father’s. Ultimately, deciding she wouldn’t say anything in case that seed wasn’t already planted. Scooting over she rested her temple on his bicep, and sighed out the word. “Murdered.” Before finding her voice,“You were so young to have lost your father, and to carry that burden-that truth by yourself. I’m very sorry.” Closing her eyes she slid her hand down into his doing her best to entwine their fingers. “Manny you’re the strongest person I know.”  

Lennon pulled back to catch the sincerity in his eyes as he made his declaration of love. It only caused a new set of tears because his words were palpable, and there was no room left for doubt of his feelings. The rich timbre of his voice as he spoke of not letting anyone dictate the meaning of their relationship only soothed her further. Looking up at him she gave a sad smile before she said, “All I know is despite everything finally coming together I can’t help but feel afraid I’m about to lose it all: your love, the security of being financially stable, the mending relationship with Max. I’m just use to having the rug pulled out, and I’m trying so desperately not to let it happen this time. Maybe I’m holding on too tight, and maybe the problem is me.”

She was barley keeping it together and looked down at the dash. Why did things feel like they were drifting away? Manny offered her time and space away from him, and both scared her to death. Was that a normal feeling to have? Was it healthy? Too many thoughts came barreling down at once. Shaking her head to quiet them she then reached for the door handle, and looked up at him. “I don’t know what I need, but I promise to figure it out before I ruin anything.” Swallowing down the emotions she scooted over to him, and kissed his cheek softly. “Bye Manny,” she whispered before making her exit.  

[mannybenedict]

Manny was so confused. Things had been going good for them and he felt their bond was stronger than ever now that they were open about their feelings for each other. Hearing Lennon say she was unsure about everything or that she was using him to right Brian’s wrongs was only made worse by the fact that it was someone else’s opinion. Even knowing what happened he didn’t think there was anything wrong with Lennon. Maybe he was the problem? Why was it so easy for this woman to plant seeds of doubt? There were plenty of things in her life she could be concerned about – Max getting better, getting through school (especially since Kennedy was paying for it) – but not them.

As she listened to him talk about his father, resting on him like things had been between them even when they were only friends and not also lovers hope flared. But then Lennon started in again that she felt there were things she needed to deal with and then the fear of the rug being pulled out from under her? Was he that unstable that she couldn’t lean on him? He knew she was independent and he didn’t want to take that from her but they weren’t living together and he wasn’t paying her way. Lennon worked her ass off both at the bar and was studying so hard for school. It wasn’t just because Kennedy was paying her way but this was one of her dreams. He didn’t want to see her give up her future because this broad was making her feel bad. When she said goodbye, because that is what he heard – goodbye and not just bye. In his mind he was hearing some sort of final farewell and Manny didn’t understand why she was telling him she loved him and then running away.

Manny jumped from the truck calling out to her, “Lennon! Wait, please!” He was trying not to shout but that was difficult for a man his size. Everything came out sounding louder than he intended. He grabbed her arm and spun her around. “Don’t do this, please, Lennon. I love you!” Scooping her up in his arms he planted a kiss on her hoping once his lips found hers she would realize they were meant to be together and no so-called therapist was ever going to tear them apart.

[mannybenedict]

Tension Rising | Manny&Lennon

[little-earthquakes-rp]

Lennon had only been trying to sort things out in her own mind when Manny pushed for her to open up. It had only been a matter of minutes, and she regretted doing so seeing how it hurt him. Pulling into the parking lot she closed her eyes for a second before launching into her argument while he was not to blame. Turning to him the words came tumbling out, but before she could insist she loved him he scared her with one simple action. Confined in such a small space when his hand shot up suddenly Lennon stopped speaking instantly, and instinctively veered away cowering towards the door fumbling to grip the handle. Defensively she tucked her head down expecting to be struck, and tried to make herself an even smaller target. Unfortunately, in her short time on Earth she had known violence at a mans hand. The response was primal and one of intrinsic preservation, and not one that was made rationally. It only took her a a few seconds for her to come to her senses realizing she was with Manny who she knew would never physically hurt her, and she had overreacted.  Letting go a heavy breath and the door handle she stared out the window not looking at him embarrassed by her overreaction, “Sorry Manny…I’m sorry I’m just..I don’t know anymore.” her  voice faded away.

Every word he spoke rung true, and while she believed him the fact that Sharon had planted those seeds of doubt muddled her mind a bit. What if the both of them were refusing to see the obvious? He continued on to systematically argue against the idea Lennon had created a situation. However the doubt was ebbed out when he spoke love. It was enough for her to turn back to him understanding once she saw his face, and the sincerity of which he spoke. 

The moment was short lived when he spoke of therapist in such an angry manner she just shook her head knowing she needed to fix this somehow. “I won’t go back. I’ll find someone else…a new therapist,” she added biting her lower lip. “I just want to feel normal again… good enough for you. I want to feel safe. I want to be able to sleep at night, and not feel like I need to barricade a door. I don’t want to trip out over being touched by someone I love because I’m thrown back into a horrible memory. I don’t want this what if constantly running in the back of my mind. What if I walk into a room and Brian is there? What am I going to do? You don’t need someone who walks through life like they’re walking on glass.” Shaking her head lost in her mind trying to grip what she wanted to say she continued, “I want to be able to have an argument like a normal person and not flinch because you make a sudden move. It’s just exhausting to walk around constantly scared of what might happen.” The statements she made were all things she kept buried deep: all the fear and anxiety she tried to keep hidden away. 

“I’m not sure what to believe but I do know I love you, Manny. I  know that with all my heart, and I don’t want you to change for anything. I need to fix myself.” Lifting her eyes to the door of the apartment she only loosely held his hand. “I don’t want to make you angry, or hurt you. Maybe I should go in?”

[mannybenedict]

Throughout the years Manny and Lennon had known each other Manny never saw the person he was seeing today. He knew full well she could be vulnerable but this therapist seemed to be chipping away at an already broken soul and that really pissed the big man off. The situation was only made worse when he put a hand up trying to get Lennon to listen to him. He would never hurt her if he could help it. Despite his past and the outburst that got him fired from the Inferno, Manny had never laid a hand on Norah even having taken out his anger on Clive, the bouncer she was screwing on the side. Still people were hurt and property was damaged and that was not the kind of person Manny ever wanted to be. There were things Manny had never really talked about with anyone thinking they were his own to deal with and sitting there listening to Lennon he thought for the first time about just how similar they were. It was proof there was more to them than just sex.

He listened to her as she spoke, the pain building in his chest that anyone would dare lay a hand on her or hurt her so badly she was terrified to live her life. When she asked if she should go inside Manny looked ahead and spoke softly. “Did I ever tell you about my father?” Turning to her he knew he could not hide the pain in his eyes. Manny loved Lennon more than he could have eve r imagined possible. He loved his siblings and did his best to take care of both Dominga and Hugo but the love one has for a sibling was nothing like what he felt for the woman sitting opposite him now. “He died when I was a young boy. Must have been about 8. Sometimes he’d go back to Columbia and I never understood why. One time he went back and never returned to us. He was found murdered. I didn’t know it then but I am confident now he was killed by a cartel. I’ve never said anything. This is the first time I have spoken that thought out loud and even Dom and Hugo don’t know that’s what I think. It haunts me.”

Manny knew that was not an equal comparison. Being tormented by your step-father and knowing your dad was murder were vastly different things but to Manny what drew these two together was the fact they both lived in fear. Manny didn’t want to be a man like his father and yet here he was loyal to a fault to a man like Kennedy Mitchell. The trickledown effect could certainly come back to bite him in the ass and in a sense it had because he’d hired Lennon and it was Adam Koval that re-triggered all the crap that bastard Brian had put her through. “I’m not smart, I’m not rich, but what am is in love. No one, especially a person that has never met me gets to sit on some righteous thrown and tell me I don’t love you. And I know you love me so I don’t know where this woman gets off saying these things to you. I thought therapists were supposed to help you not just spout off their negative opinions? I will never force you to do anything, Lemon Drop. If you need time and space then I will give it to you but please don’t walk away thinking I can live without you because I can’t. I needed you well before we took this to the next level. You’re my best friend, not just my girlfriend.”

[themusicismymasterr]

Visit Original Link

Time in a Bottle - Jim Croce (You Don’t Mess Around with Jim, 1972)

[mannybenedict]

If I could save time in a bottle The first thing that I'd like to do Is to save every day till eternity passes away Just to spend them with you If I could make days last forever If words could make wishes come true I'd save every day like a treasure and then Again, I would spend them with you But there never seems to be enough time To do the things you want to do, once you find them I've looked around enough to know That you're the one I want to go through time with If I had a box just for wishes And dreams that had never come true The box would be empty, except for the memory of how They were answered by you But there never seems to be enough time To do the things you want to do, once you find them I've looked around enough to know That you're the one I want to go through time with

@lennon-connelly-rp

[mannybenedict]

Tension Rising | Manny&Lennon

[little-earthquakes-rp]

The tone wasn’t one she was use to hearing from him, and frankly it startled her bit, but given all she put him through it was deserving. She regretted opening up instantaneously. Lennon had never been on the receiving end of his anger, and while normally she wouldn’t be concerned so many emotions and thoughts churned she wasn't’ sure of anything. Wrapping her arms around her stomach she made herself as small as possible. “But she knows me, Manny. It’s just a lot to take in. I’ve feel like she’s not right, but when she takes my words and re-structures them it’s hard not to see it her way.” 

Previously whenever she was in trouble Manny was one person she could count on to be by her side, and frankly in all the time they’d known one another they’d never been at odds. This was a change, and knowing she caused him to become so upset made her sick to her stomach. She felt low.  Perhaps Sharon was right? Maybe she orchestrated things, and wasn’t the good person she always considered herself to be.  She couldn’t bear to listen to him take the blame. Still with tears trailing down her cheeks she tried to correct, “You’re not the problem Manny. I am. She said I’m manipulative, and while it may not be a conscious thought my past keeps repeating itself. It just scares the hell out of me because you’re the best thing which has ever happened to me, and I don’t think I deserve you. I’m broken and messed up. You deserve more.”

Her eyes were transfixed on his thick fingers which now struck the steering wheel the agitation pleading to be released somehow.  Looking back to his face she wasn’t surprised he wouldn’t look at her at the moment. Softly she muttered, “I don’t think I’m as strong as you think I am, Manny.” Momentarily she wiped the tears from her face before countering him. “Wait…it was me who came on to you. I mean I didn’t really give you a choice when I crawled into your lap. I’ve not been fair to you. Even from the beginning always depending on you pushing the boundaries of what should’ve been a professional relationship. Throwing a fit over Norah.. it’s not on you Manny.” Despite regurgitating Sharon’s words she wasn’t exactly sure to believe them. They felt wrong, but nothing was what it seemed as of late.

The tension in the car made her want to crawl out of her skin. “Please don’t get angry. I shouldn’t have said anything. Just forget I said anything. I’m sorry. Please…” the rest was cut off she as she leaned forward into her hands and began to sob. 

[mannybenedict]

The man was completely unsure what to do. In the past his anger would get the better of him but now he felt as if his heart was being peeled from his chest. He wasn’t angry at Lennon at all and didn’t want his emotions to come off that way. One thing he was incredibly thankful for was his ability to keep his eyes on the road. The drive to her apartment was something he thought he could do in his sleep. She was his world long before sex became a part of it and hearing her now all he could assume was that set everything apart from their past. Pulling in to the small parking lot he put the truck in park as she continued talking about this Sharon woman convincing her she was manipulative. That transitioned in to Lennon saying she was the one who’d come on to him and finally he threw one of his large hands in the air in an attempt to get her to stop talking.

All Manny could do was hope she was not afraid of him so he took a breath and evened out his voice before he spoke again. “First off, you are far from manipulative. We aren’t that far apart in age. Second, I liked you the day I interviewed you. If anyone had ulterior motives, Len, it was me. I wanted to get to know you and see that smiling face every day. It’s why I hired you at the Top hat to begin with. Each day I got to know you better and honestly it was all I could do to stop myself from trying to get in your pants in Mexico. I didn’t know everything you’d been through at the time but you were so worried about Max I didn’t want to rob you of those feelings. You didn’t or haven’t deceived me. I fell in love with you and that has nothing to do with your past.”

As he spoke the thought of this woman sitting there degrading the woman he loved only fueled the flames more. “I’d like to see this bitch tell me this to my face. I am no fool, Lennon and I believe you when you say you love me. Maybe she’s just jealous that you have something she doesn’t cause she sounds awful bitter.” It wasn’t really his nature to be cruel to or about someone but this stranger was invading his space and infringing on something he felt was beautiful. “What do you think? Honestly. Do you feel this woman is right? Do you think you are these horrible things she’s saying about you? Why are you paying someone to tell you that you’re less than what you really are? I don’t understand. Help me understand, Lemon Drop.” He hated seeing her cry and his large hand reached out taking her dainty one in to his. “Please tell me we can fix this. Do I need to change?” 

[dragons-can-be-beaten]

[mannybenedict]

@lennon-connelly-rp

[mannybenedict]

Tension Rising | Manny&Lennon

[little-earthquakes-rp]

If the revelation in therapy wasn’t hard enough to sort through she knew skipping out on class only made her feel disappointed with herself. The tears streamed down her sullen cheeks as she kept her focus out the window; not wanting Manny to see how upset she was. She hated crying in front of him, but as of late it’s been happening more frequently. Manny is a such a strong person, and she couldn’t help think he may grow tired, or annoyed with her constant low emotional state. Besides she wanted him to believe she was a strong person, and as of late there was just a ball of tension in her stomach at all times, and she felt almost always on the verge of tears. 

Despite his normal tone she knew his words came from a place of aggravation. Careful not to interrupt she waited till he paused, “Please don’t be upset. I’m just having a hard time right now…” She still held back not wanting to share the comparison the therapist had made. Not only was she concerned about his reaction, but also that he would see it as away to devalue her love for him, or doubt it completely. The therapist would have Lennon believe that Manny is playing a part she had cast him in to work out her father issues. She did her best to avoid the questions, but when he asked her point blank she couldn’t hide anymore without it being a lie of omission.  When he placed his hand gently on her shoulder she reached up to coil her fingers around his, trying to siphon some of his strength. Clearing the emotion from her throat she wiped her tears, and blurted out . “We talk about you…and our relationship. She thinks it’s wrong.”

“Sharon says I’m a not a victim, and purposely push natural boundaries that a less damaged person wouldn’t. She thinks I intentionally entice older men who are in a position of power over me.” Her cheeks flamed red so embarrassed for having to even utter a word of it. Utterly humiliated she couldn’t even bring herself to look at him, and instead stared out the window wishing the car seat would open up and swallow her whole. Lennon sniffed before she finally confessed, “ I know she is wrong about us, but what if I did bring on the Brian situation.” 

[mannybenedict]

If Manny had one wish for Lennon it would be that she was comfortable in her own skin. With all she’d been through and even the things she’d seen her baby sister go through he was well aware how hard that was. Separating the emotional trauma from the present was not an easy task and Manny was well aware that was not something he should take lightly. Still, the two had danced around their feelings for months leading up to the night they finally made love for the first time. It was a moment he would never forget. For the first time since he’d met her Manny saw Lennon let go and allow herself freedom to be happy. There was a constant struggle with her to protect others but she wasn’t seeing she didn’t need to sacrifice herself in the process.

Being in bed with a man like Kennedy Mitchell meant you took certain risks and even though the Top Hat was a legitimate business a lot of his thuggery hung out at the place so it was easy enough for them to have access to the little blonde. She was the best waitress the bar had leaving her open for all kinds of rude and chauvinistic comments and gestures. Manny ran a tight ship and rarely let that behavior slide and even more with Lennon because he knew early on that he was falling for her. That soft laugh and her bashful eyes melted him every time and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for her. When she agreed to work for Kennedy – not just in the bar – by taking his offer to pay for her schooling Manny was in no way afraid. Lennon had a more than capable head on her shoulders to venture through nursing school with ease, but ever since they took their relationship to a new level Lennon had not been the same.

Perhaps she was taking on too much at once? Still working full time, attending school and then wanting to jump right in to therapy with this Sharon woman at first Manny thought his love could handle it all. Having emotional moments didn’t mean she would have a break down but now she was teetering on the edge and he wasn’t sure he was going to be able to catch her this time. Pushing down the thought that he should have seen something coming down the line after her melt down at the children’s charity event there was too much confusion for him to know exactly what to do. “This woman doesn’t even know me. She doesn’t know us and she is somehow qualified to say we aren’t right for each other?” His tone was harsh even though that wasn’t his intention but in the past Manny’s temper had always gotten the better of him and Lennon was aware of this thanks to the always-running mouth of Oscar Bulworth.

Trying to calm himself so her upset would not grow further Manny took in a deep breath and focused on the car in front of him. “Why would she say those things to you? I mean, Lemon Drop, I don’t think for moment you are a victim, because you are strong and courageous, but you didn’t push anything with me. If anything I am the bastard for not waiting longer.” Tapping his robust fingers on the steering wheel, “And there isn’t that much of an age difference,” nearly pouting. Manny trashed the last place he worked the last time he was broken up with and fear shot through him cutting like a knife as he willed his temper to stay at bay. This Sharon woman was going to be a problem.

[mannybenedict]

Manny is now part of my indie blog found here (X). Multi-Verse. His OTP is Lennon.

[jason-the-best-momoa-deactivate]