-1Pogue Parry was a strong guy; mentally, emotionally, physically--the boy was just strong, tough, solid. When Tyler needed someone to hold him, Pogue was there; when Reid needed someone to fight with to let some steam out, he was there; when Caleb wanted some to talk with, there was Pogue again.
He had every part of him in check; there was always a balance within himself, a balance that tended to shift whenever it needed to.
Like chemistry, when stress is applied to a system at equilibrium, the system shifts to accommodate the stress.
When Pogue needed his temper to flare because Aaron was messing with Baby boy, it flared. When he needed to calm down to talk Reid out of something stupid, he was calm. When he needed to show that it was alright to want to break down sometimes so Caleb wouldn't implode, he could have feelings pour off of him like a waterfall.
He was the rock of the Covenant; he kept himself together for his brothers and his brothers were the only ones who could take him apart.
Tyler could melt his heart with his big baby blues and soft lips; Reid brought out his wild side with all his sarcastic nature and challenging words; Caleb could take his mind apart, piece after piece, by just catching his gaze.
And when they all came together, Pogue always swore he wouldn't get out of it alive; Tyler's lips on his neck, Reid's on his chest, and Caleb's leaving a path of kisses lower and lower.
Pogue couldn't take it.
He was the strength of the Covenant but the Covenant was his weakness.
