Predecessor to a Listener

Steve had spent months learning how to become a ‘listener’ under Rory’s teachings. It began when they met on the day they moved into their campus dorm together. Rory said their being roommates was meant to be, and how he would show Steve the way of the ‘sensitive campus guy’. Steve wasn’t much interested until Rory convinced him to hide in the top bunk while he brought a woman in to their room. She was a freshman, and suffering from the prospect of losing her high school sweetheart forever. Rory artfully convinced her that her ties to her boyfriend back home were really ties to her childhood that she was reluctant to sever now that she’s becoming independant in college. Listening from under the covers of his top bunk, he nearly gave himself away as he fought back tears thinking back to his own breakup of his girlfriend back home. Rory convinced her that she needed to act symbolically to move on with her life. Then they made out. Steve found it inspiring, and he jumped at the chance to learn Rory’s trade.

First Rory made him learn all the self help classics, telling Steve that he needed to ground himself in a solid base of affirmation theory and symbolic activities. Then he taught Steve how to scope out a room full of people and find the most emotionally vulnerable. He then taught him the art of conversation, and how to present himself as intelligent, thoughtful, and most of all sensitive. Once bringing a woman back to his dorm was an easy task, he jumped through the hoops of how to direct the conversation- to help him learn how to be more agile when road blocks were thrown up. Soon he could convince a woman to skip her mothers funeral because she was ‘too controlling, and this is just one last way she can make you feel bad’. Lastly, Rory instructed Steve on how to dress, telling him that outward appearances go a long way to fool women into believing you’re the type of man that they wish they could of claimed as their own boyfriend. He dressed in collared shirts that were only partially tucked into strategically worn-out jeans. That way he looked conservative, but not in a creepy way like the young republicans on campus. Top it off with a fashionable sport coat solidifies the idea that you’re a successful lawyer just waiting to blossom. But there needs to be something else to soften the look. And that’s when Steve was told to grow his hair out, so it could permanently be pulled into a pony tail. Since that takes time, he wore a false pony tail which was weaved into his existing hair.



Soon there were two men on campus that were considered “really great guys”, even if they were victims of they guys one night stand and never spoke to again. Steve was even given ‘the final test’. When Rory had a woman in his room, and was right on the cusp of claiming his victory, he would slip out giving some excuse. Then Steve would enter with the job of trying to convince the woman that Rory was no good at helping her, and get her to listen to him instead. He did it. He had successfully turned that woman against Rory when he returned. But as a twist, Steve had convinced her to invite Rory up to her cabin next weekend for a romantic get-away. “Amazing.” Rory said, squinting as he looked into Steve’s eyes. “Your skills have surpassed my own. I think you’re ready to meet the master, and receive your name.”

Steve jumped onto the back of Rory’s scooter, and they buzzed across the campus to a small, dilapidated home on the edge of the “swill block”. Inside was a man in his early 50’s, reclining in his bathrobe in a lazy boy that was pockmarked with duct tape. After a long silence, and without taking his eyes off the television he barked, “I hear you’re the new ‘listener’ on campus.”
“I suppose so.” Steve replied sheepishly.
“Rory has told me about your latest feat… very impressive.”
“Thanks.”
“I am the master of this technique, and there can only be one servant.” He hissed. Steve looked to Rory, who’s head was bowed.
“You mean he can’t be a sensitive pony tail guy anymore?” Steve asked.
“No, you have to kill him.” The man whispered, finally turning to Steve to look him dead in the eye.
“What?”
“It’s ok Steve. I’m prepared for this. The only way you can become a true listener is if you can defeat me on the field of battle” Rory added.
“I’m not going to fight you! That’s retarded!”
“Strike him down and take your rightful place by my side… Adian.” The man said, rising from his chair.
“What’s that?”
“That would be your new name.” Rory said.
“Sounds kinda gay.”
“It’s not gay!” The man yelled, his remote control falling from his lap. “It’s the final step in your new persona. But you can’t have the name until you can defeat Rory. Rory’s name was Pete until he defeated Trent, and Trent defeated Zack before him. It’s your destiny Steve, fulfill your fate and the circle will be complete.”
“Nope.”
“You can’t say ‘nope’. You have to do it.” Rory whined.
“No. This is stupid.” Steve said, removing his fake ponytail and tossing it to the floor. “I’m not going to fight anyone. Actually I’m not going to be a part of this at all. I know how to pick up chicks now, and I’m going to keep doing it and there’s nothing you can do to stop me.”
“This means war of course.” The man said, “There is not a day from this moment on where you won’t fear for your life. You’ll constantly look over your shoulder wondering when we will destroy you.”
“Whatever. I don’t think that two guys who don’t even own a car are capable of war. Dorks.”
“Allow me to slay him master.” Rory said, never taking his eyes off Steve.
“No, no. I see great things in Adian. If we had him in our group, we would be unstoppable. With our combined strength, we could finally destroy the frat army and all those fly honey’s will be ours!”
“Is that what this is about? You’re just pissed off because you weren’t invited to frat parties?”
“No. Shut up!” The man snapped.
“Shit, I know some guys. If that was all this was about, I could of got you in a few parties you loser.”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah. But screw that now.”
“No wait! I’m cool. We could just go and hang out. We can hold off on the campus domination thing!”
“Nope. I’m out of here.” Steve said as he opened the door to leave.
“Hey, we’ll call you.” Rory chimed. “Or I’ll see you back at the dorm!”
“I’ll stay with someone else until I can transfer to another dorm room.” Steve said as he closed the door behind him. There was a silence as both men stood motionless, looking toward the door. Steve’s footsteps faded away into the commotion of traffic on the street outside. Slowly, the man raised his clenched fists up to his face. The skin on his cheeks quivering from pent up rage. He bared his teeth and his face turned red as he turned to Rory, “You’ve failed me for the last time… Rory.”