probably thinks he's cooler than you

@parker--owens

parker, goofball and hs student.

18 posts

unscathed

Parker hated himself sometimes. No, really. He’d been a real jerk the other day in the gym. A right asshole. Nate hadn’t actually done anything that hurt Parker in any way, and he’d completely projected his own frustration and confusion onto the other guy. It wasn’t something he liked about himself, but at least he was man enough to admit when he’d been in the wrong, and he was willing to do something about it. Whatever was going on in his own head, Nate hadn’t deserved the anger. Sure the guy was a cocky little shit, but that was harmless. Mostly. Nate deserved an apology at least. It hadn’t been hard to track down Nate’s dorm. Most people knew who he was, and could offer up those sorts of details. Which was how he found himself here, standing outside the dorm. Hesitating.

He should just knock. Dammit. Why was this so hard? Sighing, and running a hand through his hair and trying to calm himself. This was stupid. He was just some guy. Who the hell cared. Reaching out, he let his knuckles wrap on the door. Doing his best to pull himself together. Looking like a nervous wreck as he stood at Nate’s dorm door wasn’t going to go over well. Besides, there wasn’t actually any real reason to be nervous, or well, that was what he was going to keep telling himself until he believed it. Truth was, Nate was under his skin. He’d been replaying their encounter in his head since it had happened, twisting himself in knots at remembering what it felt like to have Nate so close. Torturing himself with flashes of images he shouldn’t be thinking about. He was a wreck. If he got out of this unscathed, it would be miracle.

hearts beating faster

nate-avery-blog1

"Let he who is without sin cast the first stone," Nate muttered under his breathe, not flinching from his spot as Parker jumped down. He knew it would bother the other, get under his skin and worm it’s way into his brain. A lot of the time Nate kept his comments to himself unless they were beneficial to him but as far as Parker was concerned it was a completely different story. He was pretty sure that nothing regarding the subject would be taken positively by the other. "Tough," he spoke out loud this time. There wasn’t really anything that could be done to keep Nate from doing what he wanted. Parker didn’t look the type to make a huge fuss. Maybe blush a little and walk away but that was exactly what Nate wanted him to break away from. For some reason he couldn’t quite pinpoint he wanted Parker to be angry, to yell at him for violating his space with an uninvited hungry gaze.

A smirk caught on Nate’s face when Parker snapped and he took that as a cue to stand and get a little closer. “Why, got a problem with naked men?” Pushing just a little more, Nate continued inching closer. “It’s just a little skin, altar boy.”

Parker was starting to panic. Everything about this encounter was screaming at him. Danger. Abort. His anger was swelling inside him, taking over everything, he could almost taste it. He needed Nate to back off, because he had no idea what he'd be capable of if the other kept pushing him. That was a scary thought, not knowing what you'd do. It was a feeling Parker couldn't handle- being out of control. It was why he didn't often drink, or anything like that, because he needed control over his actions. Hand gripping the water bottle even tighter still, he could feel the thin plastic of the disposable bottle start to crumple in his grasp. That was satisfying, so he squeezed harder. His glare boring holes into the other, and his jaw set. He was letting the anger take over.

"I got a problem with you." He growled, his southern accent thicker than usual. "And your constant need to piss me off!" Without thinking, he threw the bottle. His aim was good, and it flew past Nate, water flying, and hit the lockers behind him. He wasn't so out of control that he wanted it to hit the guy, but he wanted to make things very clear that he was serious, and that he wanted Nate to stop messing with him. Yet, in the same thought, visions of how Nate might retaliate flashed in his mind. Maybe he'd push him a little, or grab him by the tank top. Maybe he'd feel Nate's breath, all hot against his flesh as the other spoke in a deadly whisper..

hearts beating faster

nate-avery-blog1

"That’s better." Keeping a close eye on Parker as his body moved up and down with each pull he noticed the other clueing in to his suggestions. One of Nate’s weirdly irrational fears, as everyone is prone to a few, is an injury from exercise. It probably came from being subjected to videos of sports injuries in little league but it did prompt him to read up on proper techniques in the gym. Not only for safety but also effectiveness. Not bothering to put his shirt back on, as it was sweaty, Nate crossed his arms over his chest as he watched the other.

"Because I was checking you out while I was back there and while I was staring at your ass you never bothered to flex it. A shame, really." While Nate wasn’t as in-your-face about his sexual practices as some people were it wasn’t a secret. A sin, maybe, depending on which church you subscribed to and how literally you took the bible. And as a Catholic, it was definitely a sin. There was no shame for him in admitting that he had absolutely been checking Parker out. It wasn’t the first time and it wouldn’t be the last.

"Does that bother you?"

Tensing again, Parker dropped down and let go of the bar. His frustration growing once more. It did bother him. Thinking of another guy in a sexual way was a sign. While Parker considered himself to be someone that didn't judge others on their sins, when Nate did this, it made Parker feel dirty. It made him feel wrong. Like he was taking part in sinful behavior. He thought he'd made that sort of thing clear to Nate the first time they'd spoken, but obviously he hadn't. "Yeah, actually, it does." He spoke plainly, trying not to snap at the other. Though, he wanted to. He wanted to snap at him. Maybe push him against a wall and-.. Well. He didn't have a clue how that thought finished. He wouldn't let himself finish it.

Moving to his bag, Parker distracted himself by getting out his water bottle and taking a long chug. His mouth was dry, and he had an inkling it was from more than just the work out. "Also." He started, feeling the heat in his cheeks rise as he turned to look at Nate again. Pausing in his words as his eyes caught sight of his bare chest again. He forgot what he was going to say. His mouth was dry again, and his fingers gripped his water bottle tight, tight enough that his knuckles turned white. "Would you put a freakin' shirt on!" He snapped, glaring at Nate.

hearts beating faster

nate-avery-blog1

"Yes you do," Nate insisted. "That bat out of hell technique does nothing for anyone. Just gonna tear something. You should’ve stretched too." His hand slid up keeping the pressure until he could reach no further. "Keep your shoulders back, I should be able to fit my hand between your shoulder blades every time you pull up." Not as easy to ditch as Parker hoped, Nate kept his attention on every detail of the other’s pull up, making sure he did as instructed. Finally his hand fell away and he made his way around the front side of the pull up bar so he could see Parker’s face.

"What’s all the strength training for?" Prodding the other to explain his off behavior Nate took a few steps back before sitting on the weight bench, a leg on either side. Picking up the towel again he wiped sweat from his neck before yanking his tank top off over his head and wiping at his chest. There was something about Parker that kept Nate coming back. Sure, he hadn’t engaged with him since that first conversation but that didn’t mean he hadn’t kept an eye out on the other boy. He was good looking and it was no secret to most people that Nate had a certain taste for aesthetically pleasing members of the male student body. A bit superficial, but at least he owned it.

"You’re not squeezing your ass either, by the way. Missing out on a decent workout for your glutes."

Parker had to admit, following Nate's suggestions did help. He could feel each chin up actually working his muscles. That was what he needed. To work every inch of his body so he didn't have any room left to think about anything else. He'd never really been too much of a physical person before, but it seemed to be the only thing that worked out the tension building inside him lately. It was the only thing that was keeping him from feeling like a powder keg, ready to explode. Though, honestly, the hand on his back, and the feeling of Nate being so close was kind of counter productive. Yet, oddly enough, he didn't exactly want the other to leave. The tension he wasn't creating wasn't completely bad. Which was frustrating, and confusing.

Breathing out as the other stepped away, he tilted his head to the side, in an attempt to be dismissive. "No reason. Just. Blowing off steam or something." There was no way he was about to go into any details with Nate. He wasn't in the habit of opening up to most people, let alone someone he barely knew. Considering though, that Nate was tied up in the problem, the guy had bucklies chance of getting anything out of Parker. Frowning, he averted his gaze. Watching a shirtless Nate wipe himself down was something that made his hands shake just a little, and his stomach muscles do odd things. So instead, he found a spot on the wall to stare at inside. "What? How do you know I'm not?" He stole a glance at Nate, defensive.

hearts beating faster

nate-avery-blog1

Surprised by the smack of the gym bag against the cement floor over his music, Nate’s attention snapped up to investigate. There wasn’t a lot around here he truly enjoyed doing, praying wasn’t one of his most favorite things and he’d even once been banned from using the confessional for telling of false sins, so the gym was a place where Nathaniel often found himself. He’d set a steady pace on the treadmill and worked up a sweat. Grabbing the hand towel draped over his shoulder he blotted his forehead and then took to removing earbuds from his ears.

Altar boy. Go figure.

Switching off the machine and stepping down, Nate made a cautious path over to where Parker’s furious chin ups were taking place. Without invitation, Nate placed a hand on the center of the other’s back as he dropped down. “Square up. Put your hands a little further apart until they’re parallel to your shoulders. Lead with your chest, keep your shoulders back.” The other hand found Parker’s hip for a moment. “Swing your hips a little and cross your legs, squeeze the bar and your ass on the way up.” The hand dropped from his hip but the one in the middle stayed put, keeping pressure square on his back. “And breathe when you’re down.”

The hand on his back, with only a loose tank separating skin on skin, Parker felt himself tense up even further. He wasn't sure how, but he knew who it was before he even spoke. He'd never admit it to anyone, but he'd been watching Nate. Since their first conversation, he found himself oddly aware of where the other boy was. Found himself aware of what it felt like to be in his presence. It made Parker feel uneasy. He couldn't explain the odd coil in his stomach whenever Nate was too close. He couldn't explain why someone he barely knew made their way into his thoughts way too often. He couldn't voice what it was. He couldn't have a freakin' clue why he was so touchy when it came to Nate. All he knew, was the hand on his back felt dangerous. Like it could lead to something bad.

"I really don't," he started, his voice unsteady. "I don't, need your help ya know.." He tried again, his voice still shaking. Betraying the facade he was trying to put forth. He had gotten the impression that Nate was persistent, and that would let up so easily. Maybe if he just tried what the other was suggesting, he would be satisfied and leave him alone? Taking in a deep breath, he bit his lip at the hand on his hip, waiting for it to leave before he pulled himself up again. This time, taking all of Nate's suggestions on board. At least concentrating like this was helping ease his anger somewhat.

hearts beating faster

Letting out a long, frustrated sigh, Parker slammed his gym bag down. He wasn't sure why he was so angry, to be honest. Lately though, every time he spoke to his parents, there was an impossible tightening in his chest. It was unbearable. So much so that he often found a reason to end the call. Today he'd taken offence to his mother asking him if he'd met any nice girls yet. He snapped at her and quickly ended the conversation. He wasn't used to snapping at his mother. He wasn't used to all this anger towards her. Maybe if he understood why they made him so tense, he might be able to deal with it better. He just didn't get it though, and the confusion was making it all that much worse.

He needed to blow off smoke. Without bothering to check if anyone else was in the school's gym, Parker made his way to the chin up bar. His hands gripped the bar tightly, and he started to pull himself up, groaning as he pulled himself up, dropped himself down, then pulled up in quick succession.

You know.. They told me boarding school food wasn't great.

nate-avery-blog1

A shame, you should be.

So what got you stuck in a place like this? Impregnate a girl? Get mixed up in drugs? Come from a strict Catholic family who believes in discipline and education in God’s way? Ward of the state?

If I got the joke maybe I would?

I'm not stuck here? It seems nice? My folks just want me to have a good education and this school has a high reputation is all.

You know.. They told me boarding school food wasn't great.

nate-avery-blog1

Just that you hesitated, alter boy.

Me? Never. I’m laughing with you.

You're kinda strange... Kneeling boy.

I'm not laughing?

You know.. They told me boarding school food wasn't great.

nate-avery-blog1

You hesitated.

So many. But it would be a shame to cut my amusement short and explain it to you.

Nathaniel. Nate works too.

...So? I mean.. What point are you trying to make here?

Why do I get the feeling you are laughing at me?

You know.. They told me boarding school food wasn't great.

nate-avery-blog1

Because I’m a hot dude?

Of course you were. What’s your name, alter boy?

I'm a dude.. You're a dude.. I'm not.. into that.

Parker.. Am I missing a joke?

You know.. They told me boarding school food wasn't great.

nate-avery-blog1

Sure you weren’t.

All your life, huh? So then you’ve spent your fair share of time on your knees too.

I wasn't. I mean. Why would I want to look at your chest? You're a dude..

Well yeah. It's all part and parcel isn't it? I was an alter boy until I was fourteen.

You know.. They told me boarding school food wasn't great.

nate-avery-blog1

Welcome to Catholicism, where everything you do is wrong and you spend enough time on your knees praying for forgiveness that you eventually drop down and start doing push ups.

And thanks for noticing.

....I'm not 100% sure what you just said, but I've been catholic all my life, so the welcome isn't, ya know, needed.

I wasn't noticing anything.. I mean..

You know.. They told me boarding school food wasn't great.

nate-avery-blog1

Body maintenance mostly. Gotta change up the diet.

......Well. I mean. Y'all don't.. seem to have a problem in that department..

You know.. They told me boarding school food wasn't great.

nate-avery-blog1

I’d rather chow down on a box of communion wafers than eat another portion of meatless meatloaf. And I’m trying to abstain from gluten, so that’s saying something.

....Why though? Like, what in the world is wrong with gluten? All the best things in life are gluten.

You know.. They told me boarding school food wasn't great.

nate-avery-blog1

That’s what I said too. And then after two years of eating the same solidified soy based cardboard meat my body began rejecting the poison the school pumps into it.

I mean, I think you might be over reacting with all that, because y'all seem used to fancy stuff here, but I don't see any problem

You know.. They told me boarding school food wasn't great.

But I don't really have a problem with it?

@SamPalladio: Can’t believe it’s my last day of season 2 of @Nashville_ABC ! It’s been an amazing year. Gonna miss everyone!!

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