They finished the majority of the project that night, and Parker said he would complete the rest the next morning before class. It was late when Parker left to go back to his place, and Kell considered asking if he just wanted to stay the night. He decided against it. He didn't want to get too ahead of himself, and he didn't think Parker would've agreed, anyway.

On his way out the door, Parker stopped, turned, and hesitantly left a kiss on Kell's lips. It was obvious that Parker didn't have much more experience in the realm of romance than he did. He seemed to be just as uncertain about what to do. When Parker was gone, Kell did a running a jump onto the mattress and bounced around on it, excitedly. It was almost unreal what had just happened between them. Just a few days ago he would've laughed at the idea that anything like this could happen between him and anyone, let alone Parker Leipold.

But what would happen now? What were they, exactly? Sure, he'd sucked his dick... But that didn't mean they were together.

But the kisses? Maybe the kisses meant something?

He practically swooned thinking about them. The way Parker had pounced on him after he'd gone in for the first kiss...

Kell's balls ached, and his cock throbbed for attention. His erection had lasted practically the entire night. Kell had stopped Parker from doing anything because he was afraid to let things get too far, too quickly. If he and Parker had taken it all the way that night...

He was still a virgin. As much ingrained fear as he'd gotten over in those few short hours, he was still afraid of fully opening himself. And as much as he didn't want to admit it, he was still slightly intimidated by Parker. But he was glad that he hadn't pressured him to keep going.

What was going to happen with them, now?

He slipped his hand down into his underwear and took a hold of himself, closing his eyes as he masturbated to the memory of Parker's cock, it's taste still lingering on his lips.

Afterwards, Kell texted Jessie. He knew that she'd sense something was up immediately, so he figured he might as well save himself the trouble and fill her in before he saw her in class the next day.

KELL: Guess what?

JESSIE: Parker said he's into you?

KELL: Uh, something like that. wtf, how did you know?

JESSIE: Oh shit! Whaaaaaat.

KELL: How did you know?

JESSIE: I mean, I always had my suspicions. You two argue like a couple of kids with crushes. What happened??

KELL: I decided not to be so afraid and just kissed him. And then I might've given him a blowjob...

JESSIE: No fucking way. That's amazing... And a little hot.

KELL:  Anyway... Thanks for encouraging me to go for it. It helped.

JESSIE: Excited for you. Hope you two manage not to kill each other too soon.

He laughed and settled back into the pillows. Parker was still a jerk, but it didn't bother him like it used to. He thought he could deal with Parker easier now, knowing how he actually felt about him. He sighed, basking in the glow of it all. God, he actually missed him. He missed Parker Leipold. How freaking bizarre was that? He couldn't wait to see him the next day.

He wished he knew which apartment Parker lived in. Part of him wanted to call him up and ask if he could come over right now and get reacquainted with him in his bed. He felt his face go hot, and his cock throbbed in response.

The two of them, together...

Could he imagine himself mated to Parker? Or how about with kids? What kind of kids would they have? They'd probably have an artsy family. Their house would be full of artwork they’d made. Their paintings on the walls, everything beautifully designed. They'd both be working great jobs. Hell, maybe they'd even have their own design firm. They could do it. The two of them would be unstoppable. Their son or daughter would be creative too, of course, and they'd always be immaculately dressed, with perfect style.

He sighed, losing himself in his designer fantasy. Shit. So much for not getting ahead of himself.

"Maybe I should get this bed set up, finally," he said to himself, and rolled off the mattress. His barren apartment was anything but a designer fantasy. It was a little embarrassing to have shown it in this state to Parker. And the damn mood lighting. He didn't know what he'd been expecting by setting that up, but maybe it'd actually helped? He snorted a laugh and moved the pieces of the bed frame into place.

* * *

Work the next day was as much a horror as any other day, but he at least had some pleasant memories as a distraction. Montrell pestered him about his poor sales performance, threatening a cut in hours. For the first time, Kell didn't feel anxious at all. His portfolio was finally out in the world. He had Parker's confidence, and now he felt more confident. Good things were going to happen, he was sure of it.

After some mental debate, he decided to send Parker a text message.

KELL: Hey there.

PARKER: Yeah?

He frowned. Of course, he shouldn't have gotten his hopes up for anything warm from him.

KELL: What a response, jerk. How's it going?

PARKER: Getting there. Nearly done.

There was a delay, and then another message came through.

PARKER: How's your day?

Kell smiled as a pleasant warmth tingled up through his body.

KELL: Work sucks. But I'm getting through it.

PARKER: You'll be out of there soon.

KELL: I hope so. Ok, gotta go. It's getting busy.

PARKER: See you soon.

Kell slipped the phone into his pocket, smiling to himself. He could tell Parker was trying to show affection in his own, non-affectionate way. I'll take it, he thought.

He met Jessie outside campus, and she greeted him with an elbow to the side.

"Eh? Eh? Eh? Well? What's happened?"

"Nothing since yesterday," he said. "We texted a bit, but that's all."

"What a turn of events," Jessie said. "You and Parker. Power couple, I'm telling you. So, how did it happen? How'd he end up making his move? How'd you end up giving him a..." She imitated sucking a cock.

"Oh my god," he groaned. "Stop embarrassing me. And I told you, I was the one who kissed him. He never made a move. I had candles and stuff. The cologne might've been a bit much, though."

"Candles?" She laughed. "That's fucking adorable. He must've been surprised."

"It was crazy," Kell said. "The way it all happened so quickly. One moment he's sitting next to me, the next I'm touching his hand. Then we're on the floor and I'm grabbing his dick. And now I can't get him out my head. It's like every thought's been consumed with him, and all I want to do is see him again. Has that ever happened to you?"

"Not often," she admitted. "It sounds like you're really into him."

"I don't know where it all came from," he said. "Just thinking about him used to annoy me. I couldn't stand his attitude. He's so damn arrogant. But now I actually find it... God, I actually find it hot."

Jessie shrugged. "Maybe you always had a thing for him, you just didn't want to admit it to yourself. I mean, you've always talked about him more than anyone else in the class. You were always talking about how much of a dick he is. Either that or how amazing his work is."

She was right—Parker had always preoccupied a large amount of his attention. He'd never really thought about it before, but that was pretty odd.

"I always did think you guys would make a cute couple," she said. "Never thought it'd actually happen, though. I was beginning to wonder if you'd ever get with someone at all!"

"Thanks for the faith," he said.

As they neared the classroom, Kell's heart started to pick up with anticipation for seeing him. He opened the door and couldn't restrain a grin. Parker was there early again, and this time he was next to where Kell usually sat. Jessie gave him a little nudge and they went over and sat down. Parker turned, and a slight smile pulled across his lips. Kell felt his heart spin.

"Hi," he said.

Seeing him triggered a flood of memory from the night before. Suddenly he was on his knees again, sucking him down, looking up at Parker's ecstasy-gripped expression. He felt his cock pulse with life and squeezed his legs together to try and suppress it. They'd really done that together. It hadn't been a dream. Another flash, and he imagined Parker's lips on his, his tongue dancing against his. He felt those strong hands exploring his body, touching him everywhere... Kell pushed his hands into his lap, like he was trying to shove the jack back into the box.

Parker, if he was affected by Kell's presence, didn't reveal it. He looked just as unaffected as always. Kell wanted to touch him, to take his hand or kiss him or do something to reconfirm that what they'd done the night before hadn't just been a one-time thing, but he resisted. He'd had a feeling Parker would be like this, anyway.

"Take a look," Parker said, pulling out his laptop and putting it in front of Kell. On the screen was their final project rendering, and it looked incredible. The color was beautiful and the design striking; the perfect realization of their idea.

"Wow," Kell said. "This is... Just, wow." It was amazing to see his line work combined with Parker's masterful color work, and it could easily pass as the best professional work found in a magazine or up on a high-profile billboard.

"I think we did a pretty damn good job," Parker said.

Jessie leaned over and peeked at their work. "Yikes," she said quietly. "My group was a nightmare. I'm almost embarrassed to turn in what we made." She whispered into Kell's ear. "Power couple."

Professor Young went to the front of the class and said, "Okay, everyone. Critique day. I'll give everyone a bit of time to confer with their groups to get organized and their files set up. Looking forward to seeing what you came up with."

The class immediately erupted into a moving of chairs and chattering as everyone hurried to get into their groups. It was obvious that not everyone was happy with what they'd done. Kell and Parker exchanged a look and a brief smile as they sat quietly amongst the chaos. By all rights, they should've had the most trouble of all the groups. Kell had completely expected to fight with Parker over every little decision, but it'd actually been incredibly smooth. Parker might've been a dick, but he also was professional and had an impeccable eye. He was definitely not afraid to speak out against something he felt was bad, but he also recognized when things were good.

Kell realized that it'd been no different with all of the project critiques. He realized that because of his sensitivity, he'd taken only Parker's harsh criticisms to heart. He hadn't read between the lines and seen the deep compliments he'd been giving him this entire time.

"After class," Parker said in a low voice, leaning over to Kell. "Meet me in art studio B."

"O-okay," Kell said, a little surprised. He wasn't sure why he'd want to meet there of all places—art studio B was the dingy backup studio and wasn't really used much except as a room to store all the extra easels and other equipment.

The groups went up one by one presented their projects to the class for critique until finally, it was their turn to show their work. Being no secret that the two of them were the best in the class, everyone was anticipating seeing what they'd come up with. Parker plugged in his laptop and brought up the image. There were groans, whistles, and murmurs of awed approval.

"I quit," someone joked.

Kell felt proud. Not that he didn't feel proud showing all his other work, but there was something special about having done this with Parker. It made him happy knowing that they'd done it together, and that they were compatible in their skills. Maybe it meant they would be compatible elsewhere, too. He wanted this thing with Parker to keep going. It may have just been physical now, but he could actually see himself in a relationship with him. It'd be a challenging relationship, no doubt, but as he was beginning to discover, Parker's challenging personality was actually drawing him in, not repelling him as he'd once thought. As much as it heated and irritated him, it also attracted him.

He snuck a glance over at Parker, who was addressing critiques and questions about design choices, and felt his heart flutter a bit. Parker looked so damn hot when he was talking about art.

He looked hot all the damn time.

"Excellent work, Kell and Parker. Thank you," Professor Young said, and they returned to their seats. Kell wondered if Parker might offer some sign of affection for the job well done, but he continued to keep his hands to himself. Kell was dying to touch him, and when they sat down he was tempted to reach over under the table and give him a little squeeze. His palms started sweating and his heart pounded as he debated whether he should just go for it. It was possible someone would see him do it, and that only made him more excited, but he wasn't sure how Parker would feel about that. He didn't want to make him feel uncomfortable, and yet the desire to touch him was so damn strong.

Kell opened his hand and slowly, hesitantly started to move it across his right thigh towards Parker's left leg. He swallowed nervously, anticipating Parker's reaction. Would he be pissed?

Then, suddenly to his shock, Parker reached over and took his hand in a brief action that lasted only a few seconds. He squeezed Kell's hand and then let go, as if he was saying that he was thinking the same thing but wanted him to restrain himself. Kell pulled his hand back into his lap as his face burned red. His cock had stiffened up immediately and strained sorely against his jeans. His heart pounded hard, and he snuck a look at Parker's face. Again, unaffected. Except... He could see color beginning to flush just ever so slightly on his cheeks. Parker looked away.

After class got finished, Parker left in a hurry without saying a word. Jessie watched, eyebrow raised, and turned to Kell. "Uh, is everything okay?"

He nodded. "He asked me to meet him, so I think so." Suddenly, all sorts of thoughts started to run through his mind. Maybe Parker grabbing his hand had actually been a rejection? He could've sworn he'd given him an affectionate squeeze, though. Had that just been his imagination?

Kell felt a cold chill go through his body.

Maybe he was going to tell him that it'd all been a mistake?

"I mean," he said, "I'm pretty sure it's okay. That's just how he is, I think. Right?"

Jessie shrugged, wide eyed. "I don't know, man."

Kell grabbed his bag. "I'll see you later."

"Good luck," she told him.

He hurried out into the hallway and made his way through the art building, up to the third floor where studio B was located. The floor was quiet—there weren't many classrooms here, mostly just professors’ offices and supply rooms, and then the backup studio. He walked down the hall towards the studio's door, his mind and heart racing. Were things going to end as quickly as they'd started?

Damn Parker, he thought. Don't fuck around with me. Don't tell me you're just an asshole after all.

He reached the door and drew in a nervous breath. Then, he pushed the door open and went inside.

All the lights inside the studio were off, and the only illumination was what sunlight filtered through blackout curtains partially pulled over the windows. It felt a little eerie. The room was filled with rows of spare easels, racks of folding chairs and several mannequins from the fashion department. Parker stood in the middle of the room, and a smile spread across his lips. Kell felt a wash of relief seeing that smile, and he walked over to him. Parker didn't hesitate—he wrapped his arms around Kell and pulled him in tightly and kissed him. Kell felt himself melting into him as all the anxieties disappeared. He held Parker as tightly as he could, reveling in the feeling of his body against his own.

"I didn't want to make a scene in class," Parker said. "Not that I give a damn about what anyone thinks about us. But it's just better that way."

"I don't care," Kell said. "Nobody needs to know. As long as we can keep doing this. God. This shouldn't feel this good."

"I feel like I'm going crazy," Parker said.

"You're not the only one."

"I've thought about you for a long time, Kell," Parker said. "I didn't want to admit it. But at a certain point I realized I didn't have much of a choice."

"What would've happened if I hadn't made a move on you last night?"

Parker shook his head. "Well, we wouldn't be here right now. But we would’ve been eventually, I can tell you that much."

Kell nodded. "Yeah. I feel the same way. This is insane, but god, it feels like the rightest thing I've done in a long time."

Parker drew Kell in for another kiss, and this time their tongues met and explored. Kell’scock was aching to be touched. He felt Parker's hand glide down his back until it reached his ass and gave him a squeeze. Kell moaned into the kiss. Then Parker's hand slipped around to the front and answered his desire. He moaned again, harder this time. Parker’s touch was like lightning. It was the first time anyone had touched his cock, and Kell felt like he could've came right then and there. He shivered as Parker pushed his hand down into his underwear and squeezed his hand around him.

"W-wait," Kell murmured, glancing towards the door. "Maybe we should wait..." What was he saying? He knew he couldn't. He grabbed Parker by the arm and dragged him back through the room to a dark corner where they were shielded behind the mannequins and a pile of discarded paint tubes. He fumbled with his pants and pushed them down to his ankles. Parker took care of the rest and tugged his underwear down his thighs. His cock jumped free.

"I thought about this all fucking day," Parker growled as he dropped to his knees.

Kell threw a hand over his mouth to cut the shout of pleasure that burst from him when he felt Parker's warm mouth close around him. His eyes fluttered back as the most incredible pleasure rippled through him from Parker's talented tongue. It was the first time he'd ever gotten his cock sucked, and it felt like he was floating through heaven. He thrust his fingers through Parker's hair, loving the feeling of it in his grasp. His knees quivered as Parker did something wonderful to him with his lips, and he kept his hand clasped tightly across his mouth to keep the moans from escaping.

He didn't want things to end on a cliffhanger this time. He didn't care that they were in the middle of a classroom, or that he'd told himself he'd wanted it to be special. It would be special enough because it was Parker, and he needed it now. He pulled away from him and crouched down. "Will you fuck me?" he whispered. He could feel how wet his entrance was, his omega desire tingling through him, dying for alpha cock. The answer flashed across Parker's eyes, and he opened his backpack, which was on the floor next to them, and pulled out a wrapped condom. He then went over to a storage drawer that was sitting along the wall and pulled out a paint-spattered drop cloth and two of the cushions the figure drawing models used for long kneeling poses. He spread the cloth on the ground and put down the cushions.

"Lay on your back," Parker said in a low voice. "Put the pillow underneath... Yeah, like that."

Kell slid one cushion under his ass to raise it up slightly, and the other cushion beneath his head. He still had his shirt on, but he felt goosebumps spread across his skin as he watched Parker open his pants and pull out his heavy cock. Parker bit the condom wrapper and tore it open with a jerk of his hand, and then unrolled the thing down his length.

Kell ached to feel Parker's cock inside of him, even though he was also terrified of it. He'd never had sex before, and he had no idea how he could fit something like that inside. Parker bent down and kissed him, long and gentle. He nuzzled his face into Kell's neck, lightly biting and sucking him there. Kell moaned and murmured softly and wrapped his arms around Parker's neck. Then he felt Parker's hand slip down between his legs. His fingers brushed past his balls, and Kell spread his legs to allow him to push one into his entrance. He bit his lip as he felt Parker's finger curl into him, pressing up against his spot. Then another finger slipped into him, and he gasped as it stretched him. The shock mostly came from not being used to it. It didn't actually hurt—just the opposite. The feeling of being filled was amazing.

Kell slipped his hand down and took hold of Parker's cock, and gently tugged him closer. "Use this," he whispered, and Parker nodded. He pushed Kell's knees back to his shoulders, opening him up and exposing his entrance, and Kell helped him by holding his thighs to spread himself. Parker took hold of his cock and pressed it up against his hole. He pushed, and Kell squeezed his eyes shut as the pressure stretched into him. He bit his lip but was unable to stop a gasp and a soft cry. It hurt, but he could endure. Parker kept going, pushing in slowly. Kell could feel inch after inch of him sliding inside, splitting him, filling him up to the max. Then he felt Parker's abs press against his legs. He was all the way in. He opened his eyes. Parker was gazing down at him, his icy blue eyes shimmering just for him. Then he started to move his hips.

Kell bit the back of his hand to stop the moan. It felt so good. Parker was picking up speed, thrusting in and out of him as the muscles of his neck tensed like braids of steel. Kell could see that he was also fighting back moans of pleasure.

"You're so fucking tight," he murmured. "Fuck..."

Kell threw his arm around the back of Parker's neck and pulled him into a kiss. Their tongues collided as their lips crashed together. Kell was drowning in him, incapable of even wanting to come up for a breath. It was ecstasy. Pure ecstasy. He'd never felt anything like it. He was connected. Whole.

And Parker felt the same.

Parker had always believed that he'd never feel this way for an omega. He was convinced that he didn't need anyone, that he was fine with pushing people away, because he didn't need to be close. Until now, he was fine being alone. Kell had changed everything. Parker knew that all he needed was him. Kell was everything. Kell was a fucking masterpiece.

He thrust deep into him, and this time Kell was unable to stop the moan. He clawed at Parker's back and balled the drop cloth in his fist as he felt his cock drive deep inside of him. "It feels so good," he said. "It feels so—"

They both froze and looked towards the door as the knob clicked and turned, and the door pushed open. Kell slapped his hands over his mouth, his eyes wide. Two students walked into the studio.

"I hate coming in here," one said. "It's so creepy. Where's the light?"

"Forget it. Let's just get the gesso and go. It's over here."

They walked to the opposite side of the room and began to dig through a metal storage cabinet. Parker and Kell exchanged a glance, their breaths quick and startled. The two students had no idea they were there. A slight smile spread across Parker's lips. Kell shook his head at him, but Parker continued anyway. He thrust his hips slowly, pushing himself in slowly from tip to hilt. Kell bit his hand. It felt so fucking good that it was almost impossible not to make a noise.

"Doesn't it feel like the mannequins are watching us?" one of the intruders said.

"Shut up. I'm already creeped out."

Parker thrust slowly, keeping silent, enjoying seeing the strained pleasure that crossed Kell's face. Kell glared up at him, angry but loving it at the same time.

"Where the hell is the gesso?"

"Check the bottom drawer. Maybe we should get the lights..."

Kell's cock throbbed with each of Parker's languid thrusts, and to his alarm, he felt himself coming close to the edge. The thrill of being caught had hurtled him there, and he was fighting with everything he had not to plummet over. If he did, he didn't think he could hold anything back. They'd be caught for sure... And Parker, dick that he was, wasn't doing him any favors. He was enjoying this situation. But it'd be a lie if Kell said he wasn't, too. Parker thrusted harder. Kell squeezed his eyes shut, muffling a tiny moan into his hand.

"What was that?" the nervous student said. "Did you hear that?"

"Ah. Got it. Here it is."

Kell's eyes rolled back as Parker fucked him with slow, deep thrusts. He was hitting every right spot. It was impossible to hold on. The orgasm rolled over him like a fucking tidal wave of pleasure, crackling through his body with explosive force. He let out a low, guttural moan that sounded more like an animal than a person as his cock tensed and came. Parker grunted. His expression tensed into a snarl of ecstasy as he hit the finish too.

The two students practically jumped into each other's arms. In the darkness of the room they couldn't see Kell and Parker from their spot behind the mannequins, but they had heard the sound of their finish. They yelped and bolted for the door, slamming it so hard behind them that one of the mannequin's arms dropped off.

Parker's cock throbbed inside of him as he felt the waves of his climax continue to wash over him and then finally begin to recede. Then he started to laugh. Parker grinned down at him.

"Now that was something," he said.

"Asshole," said Kell, and he pulled him into a kiss.

After cleaning up, the two of them cautiously poked their heads out the studio door into the hallway to check if the coast was clear and then slipped out. They walked together to the parking structure that was next to the art department, their hands hanging just a few inches apart. After a moment of internal debate, Kell reached over and took Parker's hand. He expected Parker to pull away, but instead he slowly tightened his hold around Kell's hand. A tingling, happy excitement bloomed within the both of them.

"I kinda wish the project had been longer," Kell said. "I wouldn't have minded being forced to see you every night for a couple weeks."

"I would've gotten tired of it," Parker said. "Kidding," he added, after a cheeky pause. "Who said we can't continue to see each other every night? We're neighbors."

"That's true," Kell said, with a laugh. "So... Are we going to keep seeing each other? Like this?"

"Do you want to?"

"Yeah," he replied, without hesitation. "I actually... really like you."

"Believe it or not, I really like you, too," Parker said. "I shouldn't. But I do."

"Why shouldn't you?"

"Because. You know how it is. Time is precious, and we hardly have enough of it as it is. But I think you're worth making time for. Just a little bit of time."

Kell smiled and kicked Parker's shoe. "Yeah? I hope so, jerk. So... what about tonight? Maybe I could come over to your place when you get back from work."

An odd expression crossed Parker's face for a moment. "Not my place."

"What's wrong with your place? I'm sure it's much nicer than the closet that's my apartment."

Parker shook his head. "It's... it's a mess. Filled with equipment and supplies and stuff. I don't want you to see it."

"I don't mind..."

"No," Parker said, firmly. "Not my place."

"Alright, okay," Kell said, slightly taken aback. "Sorry."

Parker sighed and drummed his fingers on the roof of his car before opening driver side door. "Do you still want to meet tonight?”

"Yeah..."

"Okay," Parker said. "I'll call you." He moved to get into the car and paused. He turned and grabbed Kell and pulled him into a kiss that took his breath away.

Kell watched as Parker drove away, his heart fluttering in his chest. He was realizing that Parker had the incredible ability to piss him off in one moment and leave his heart racing with happiness in the next. He was curious why Parker was so against having him over. Kell really didn't care about a mess. He was sure that Parker was overstating it, anyway. Whatever mess there was, he was willing to bet money that it was probably an artistic mess. Incidentally aesthetic. Parker was always so fastidious and perfect in his appearance that he couldn't believe it could be that bad.

Maybe he actually does live in squalor, he thought. Or maybe he thought that he was living a destitute lifestyle compared to the one he was normally used to living and was self-conscious about it. Kell could imagine that being the case for someone who came from money and was living below the standard of living they'd been accustomed to. After all, he did drive that extravagantly fancy-ass car.

He had a hard time imagining Parker being self-conscious about anything. Maybe I'll take a walk around the complex, he thought. If I run into him there, I can at least get a peek at his place.

Kell went home, and the first thing he did was send Jessie a text message.

KELL: We did it.

JESSIE: What?

KELL: It.

JESSIE: ....

JESSIE: omg.

JESSIE: ewlfkjaeljwflefw.

JESSIE: WHAT.

JESSIE: Omg, Kell. Are you guys official, then?

Official... Kell had no idea what made a couple "official." It was obvious they were something. They were seeing each other, even though it seemed like it might continue to be on the down low for a while.

KELL: Don't say a word.

JESSIE: Ok, ok. So, was it as romantic as you wanted it to be? Candles, flower petals, all of that shit?

Kell laughed as he read her message. He couldn't believe how quickly those ideas had gone out the window. He'd gotten so worked up about it needing to be special, and he realized that he'd probably thought that as a means of making himself feel better for having such a difficult time losing his virginity. When it'd come down to the moment, he'd completely forgotten. It seemed like Parker had that effect on him. After all, Parker used to be on Kell's "no-fucking-way" list of alphas.

KELL: We may have done it in art studio B...

JESSIE: OMG. Who is this new Kell??

KELL: Haha... I know. It was crazy, but it was so in the moment. I couldn't wait for it.

JESSIE: So hot. How's Parker? Not asking in a pervy way. Is he different, now? Sensitive?

KELL: He's about the same. I've got a sense of how he thinks, now. He's still as rough as ever. But I think the things that he does that drive me crazy and piss me off also do the same in a good way, now.

JESSIE: Power couple! Haha, seriously. That kind of compatibility means you're mate material. I read a book on it.

KELL: Jesus, it's too early to talk about mates. Anyway, the next thing is to get him comfortable enough to invite me over to his place.

JESSIE: What's the big deal? You're neighbors.

KELL: I know. But he's embarrassed or something. I asked and he got all weird and defensive.

JESSIE: Huh.

Kell stared at his phone. He was bothered about the apartment thing more than he had any right to be. It was day two, for god's sake. They were still just getting to know one another, basically. They were only just coming to terms with this crazy thing that'd come over them. And yet, it still bugged him. He just wanted Parker to know that he couldn't care less about money or appearances or anything like that. It was him he was into, not how organized or clean or fancy his apartment was. And he hoped Parker felt the same way about him.

Another message chimed through from Jessie, and he frowned as he read it.

JESSIE: You don't think he's hiding something?

KELL: A dirty apartment? That's what he said. I think he's just self-conscious because it's not the luxurious accommodations he's used to.

JESSIE: Hmm... I see. Well, it's okay. It's still early.

KELL: Yeah.

JESSIE: This is all great! I'm happy for you. I gotta get back to painting but keep texting if you want!

Kell looked at the time. He'd just gotten home, he had hours until Parker would be done with work. He groaned. He wanted to see him. With no new project due, Kell actually had some free time to kill before Parker would get off work, and any extra time he had was a gift he could use for doodling or working on personal projects. He decided he would paint something for Parker to give to him as a gift; a portrait. He didn't have any reference photos of Parker, but that was fine. He would use his own memory. With how vividly Parker appeared in his head, it'd be no problem at all.

He went to his corner of painting supplies and dug out a small canvas, about two feet long, and placed it up on his easel. He moved the lamp that he and Parker had set up and put it next to his easel, and then brought over his paints and brushes. When he looked at the canvas he could already visualize the painting in his mind, and he dug out several tubes of paint from his box. Yellow ochre... cadmium red... cobalt blue... Prussian white... And several others. Then, he brought out his palette and began to squeeze dabs of color onto it. He worked quickly and confidently and began to blend the paint using his palette knife. He then grabbed a brush, and in heavy swipes began to put down big swashes of color onto the canvas to prime it.

Kell loved the zone he got into when painting, a meditative state of flow that carried him away from all other thoughts other than the task at hand. He was in that zone now, but this time his mind was also occupied by thoughts of Parker. His feelings for him were fueling his creativity, and he was becoming more and more excited as he painted, until it felt like pure glee was flowing out from within. He and Parker were together. It was such a crazy thing to think about, something he never could've imagined before. He was thrilled. He was excited to learn more about him, to crack a bit of the enigma that he was. And he was excited for the new realms of pleasure that he knew he would be experiencing with Parker.

He still ached from earlier. The soreness thrummed through him, but it was a delicious soreness, like the kind imbued from a particularly good workout. And the itch—the one that seemed to have been building up deep inside—had been relieved, just a little bit. It was still there, of course, and he couldn't wait for Parker to scratch it again that night.

Kell grinned as he thought about it, and his cock responded too. The things that he wanted to do to that man... and have done to him. Dirty things. Dirty, dirty things.

Power couple.

He did like that title. Mostly, he just liked that they were a couple.

The scaffolding of the portrait was starting to appear on the canvas. Parker's defined jawline was there, along with the shape of his eyes and the slight curl of his mouth. Kell took a step back to admire the emerging likeness, and then went in to start adding in the big blocks of color.

He really liked him. He'd never had these kinds of feelings bloom up so powerfully before, and from seemingly out of nowhere. He'd never felt this way about anyone before.

Kell worked on the painting for a couple hours, until he was forced to stop when he ran out of red paint. He dug through his box, looking for another tube, but he was fresh out. He cut open the back of the rolled-up paint tube and extracted whatever leftovers were inside and dabbed them onto his palette, but it wouldn't be enough to complete the painting. He swore to himself, annoyed that he hadn't bought a replacement tube even though he'd known he was getting low. The apartment move had gotten him all disorganized.

He had time. He could run to the art supply store and grab more and probably still have time to keep working before Parker got back.