Jump to content
    Parker Owens
  • Author
  • 1,813 Words
  • 4,190 Views
  • 24 Comments
Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

Predator Prey - 25. Grasped

No warnings needed for this chapter.

It took the enormous wave five, perhaps seven, seconds to fully pass over the Feigenbaum. The ship rose sturdily, allowing seawater to wash away and out of the scuppers and back into the Gulf. Its engines turned steadily, pushing forward slowly into the face of the oncoming weather and waves. Nothing terribly remarkable.

But those seconds were easily the longest of his life.

He’d been hit by the wall of water like a full body blow; he felt the sea trying to scrape him off the side of the ship. The first impact knocked his head almost senseless. It was cold; people say the waters of the Gulf are warm, but that moment taught him otherwise. An instant later, he was engulfed by the surge, lifting, buffeting, trying to shake him loose from his precarious hold. All he knew to do was to hang on. He ached, and he felt himself begin to slip. As the wave retreated sternward, he felt its powerful fingers trying to drag him along, down, down into the foam and swirl. Against all reason, he clung to the ship. How easy it would have been to let go. And then the sea was gone, at least for a moment.

He could breathe. He realized he was still there, holding to the ladder. It was a miracle he remained there, a barnacle on the ship's hull. Later, he reflected that he’d been lucky his sneakers were hooked onto its rungs from the inside. If his feet had been washed free of the Feigenbaum, his hands could never have saved him.

But there was no time for reflection just then. He had to climb.

Graham’s sodden form still hovered above him at the rail, staring down in frank disbelief. He wanted to scramble up the ladder, but the best he could do was an agonizingly slow slog, rung by rung. Strong hands grabbed at his shoulders, hauled him up the last few feet, pulling him back over the rail to relative safety.

And then he found himself wrapped in the tightest, mightiest embrace he’d ever experienced.

“You fucking stupid idiot! What the fucking hell, Wally! What the fuck were you thinking, you moron?” Graham shouted in his ear.

Dumbly, he stood there, warmed by Graham’s body, trying to return the squeeze. He could feel the taller man trembling. Amazingly, he still held the stupid collection canister in his left hand.

“I got the sample,” he managed to get out, blinking. A second later, he let it drop slowly to the deck.

“I don’t care about the stupid sample, Wally,” cried Graham, practically sobbing, who released the hug only to grasp his shoulders and search his eyes, “don’t you get it? You could have been fucking killed, for Christ’s sake.”

He felt pierced by Graham’s gaze, pinned down by the weight of the past five years, the hurt he’d caused and the pain he’d endured. He shrugged and dropped his eyes. “No big deal,” he responded, his voice barely audible.

It really wouldn't have mattered if he'd just vanished in the swirl.

He felt a hand lift his chin, forcing him to look into those deep brown eyes. “Yes it is,” Graham said distinctly, an instant before planting a firm, warm kiss on his lips. After a moment’s surprise, he couldn’t help but respond to it, reaching awkwardly around Graham and pulling him closer. He parted his lips so Graham’s tongue could enter and explore. He tasted like warmth and hope.

“Jesus, Wally, please, don’t ever, ever, do anything like that again,” Graham spoke into his ear when their lips parted and they embraced again. “I couldn’t stand to lose you.”

He responded by kissing Graham again.

At that moment, the Feigenbaum shouldered into another wave, they staggered a little, and their feet felt the wash of seawater again.

He barely noticed. He clung to Graham, like he'd hung onto the ship, for dear life. When their lips finally parted, he knew there was something he had to say.

“There’s something you need to know,” he said over the noise of the rising wind and water.

He felt Graham turn and their eyes met again. “Can it wait? We should get inside.”

“No, now,” he returned, shivering. It wasn’t entirely from feeling cold. He was glad Graham still held him close, waiting expectantly. “My name isn’t Wally. It’s Scott. My name is Scott. And…and I think I'm falling for you.”

He’d said it, and meant it. He acknowledged to himself and to Graham that the attraction he’d been feeling was both real and different from so many others that he’d experienced. That something quite new had happened to him.

And Graham hadn’t flinched, either.

Instead, Graham actually grinned, grabbed him by the hand and led him off the deck. They made their way to the interior of the ship, securing the door as they went. It seemed strangely quiet, almost eerie, out of the weather. Graham still held his hand as they deposited their hard-won sample in the deserted lab. The place was deserted.

“Where’s Ellie?”

Graham grinned. “Her stomach was feeling a little blue, so she went back to bed.”

“I’d better get back to the galley.” He’d been gone a long while. He wondered if anyone would complain.

“Not until you get something warm on. We both need to change.”

“I’ll be okay,” he protested. “I don’t want to wake up my bunkmate, Nate. If he wakes up, he’s going to have some very awkward questions.”

“No way,” stated Graham flatly. He tugged his hand. “Come with me.”

He allowed himself to be led carefully down to Graham’s stateroom, which lay farther forward in the ship with the rest of the scientific party.

“What about your roommate?” he asked.

“I don’t have one. He had to back out at the last minute, so I have a single,” Graham spoke softly, standing at the door. “Don’t worry…Scott. Come on in.”

He opened the door, and they darted into the small space.

Graham flipped on the light.

"Nice place you have…" he began, but Graham's kiss interrupted him.

It took all of a couple of seconds for the taller man to have him pressed up against the door, their lips locked together. In another lifetime, he would have been the one to take control from Graham, dictating the pace and timing and direction of the encounter. But now, he just contentedly accepted Graham’s kiss, his searching, probing tongue, the warmth of his body against his. Their embrace could go wherever Graham wanted.

The deck under their feet rose sharply and shifted them against the door.

“Shit, sorry,” Graham said softly, releasing him again.

He looked up, trying to find Graham's brown eyes.

“I didn't mean to…" and then the taller man smirked adorably. "Actually, I did mean it."

The only reply to such a confession was another kiss, longer, warmer. But despite the warmth, he shivered involuntarily.

Graham couldn't help but notice. The tall man let him go, and turned away. "Clothes. Dry clothes.” He knelt, and dragged a duffel out from under the bed. “Here, you’ll want this.” A towel was being handed to him.

He welcomed the chance to dry off. He really was getting chilly. He started undoing his jeans. Getting the cold wet cloth off would help. He worked the wet denim off his legs with some difficulty, followed by his clinging boxers.

“I’m sorry these are kind of dirty, but at least they’re dry. I need to do some wash.” Graham held out a sweatshirt and pants, dry socks and a t-shirt. Graham's eyes widened a little when he saw him naked from the waist down. “Um. Er, sorry I don’t have spare shoes, but I don’t think mine would fit you, anyway,” Graham’s voice faltered.

A long moment passed. He could take command right then and there, and it would feel incredibly good, satisfying both himself and Graham. He had no doubt of that. But that wasn’t what he wanted; he wanted something better, something to satisfy a deeper, more insistent hunger.

He wrapped the towel around his waist and took the clothes. “That’s okay, I’ll be warm just the same.”

Graham stood and began trying to pull his own soaked tee over his head. It appeared to be a struggle.

“You need help with that?” he asked.

“No, you’d better not,” Graham croaked. Was Graham feeling the same kind of turmoil as himself?

A few minutes later, he was dressed in Graham’s offerings, dry and warming. No underwear, but he could risk freeballing for a few hours. Admittedly, they hadn’t been washed, but the clothes smelled pleasantly of Graham. And he’d gotten a few glimpses of Graham naked. The man was beautiful, in a lanky, sinewy kind of way. Every muscle looked corded and defined, without being bulky.

It was enough to feed his imagination with wicked ideas. But he wouldn't act on them. No. Not now.

He picked up the soggy bundle of his wet clothes.

“Here, give them to me. I’ll dry them and get them back to you tomorrow,” Graham offered softly.

“You don’t have to.”

Graham gently relieved him of the bundle, and stood closer. A long, slim finger traced a line delicately along his lips and chin. “Wally…Scott…please, let me do this for you.”

Again, they kissed, but this time the initiative was mutual. He felt his body respond and gave into it, allowing himself to melt into their embrace. A part of him wondered momentarily why he had decided to get dressed. He wanted Graham, no question. If Graham couldn't tell that, the man's powers of observation did not bode well for the future of science. Yet what he himself wanted most could not be seen so easily. For the first time, he wanted another man not for his own gratification – not for his own possession or control - but because he felt the pull of his heart.

When the kiss broke Graham asked, “So do I call you Scott or Wally?”

“Scott,” he answered without hesitating. “Everyone else can call me Wally, but I want you to call me by my real name.”

“Okay. Scott. Um, Scott…Graham began, then faltered. "I…I really don't want to screw this up. I think maybe…"

He waited. Clearly, Graham was struggling to say something. God, he hoped the man wasn't going to start telling him this was some kind of mistake. It would hurt – badly – but he'd understand. Or at least, he'd try to.

"Scott…what you said on deck…" Graham started over.

He nodded. He remembered. And he still meant it. He’d never felt like this before, not about anyone. Not Andy, the tennis pro. Not even Marc.

“I just have to say this…I think I'm falling for you, too, Scott.”

Graham kissed him again. He shivered.

Craftingmom employed her peerless editing skills on this and every chapter. I am deeply grateful. Thanks also to Spike, tim and Carlos, who encouraged me in their beta-reading of this story.
Please leave a review. Your thoughts and comments are always appreciated.
Copyright © 2017 Parker Owens; All Rights Reserved.
  • Like 46
  • Love 2
  • Wow 1
Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 
You are not currently following this author. Be sure to follow to keep up to date with new stories they post.

Recommended Comments

Chapter Comments

There it is!!! The sweet stuff!!!! My cavities are back!!!! Hallelujah!!!!!

  • Like 1
Link to comment

So TP/Wally has a name!

 

And he’s not rushing to have sex with Graham! He’s finally thinking with his heart instead of his libido. He’s even gotten to know things about Graham as a person before they ever kissed. Even if they later decide they aren’t compatible, this is much more than Wally (to avoid a spoiler) has managed in the past.

Link to comment

"He tasted like warmth and hope", beautiful words to describe a kiss.
This chapter shows that no matter where we start, there is hope for all of us. It just takes the right person to see our true value.
Hope Graham doesn't bale when he learns of Wally's(no spoiler here either) past. As much as Wally was embarrassed when others found out, Grahams reaction will be vital to them moving forward.

  • Love 1
Link to comment
On 03/02/2017 08:12 PM, JayT said:

There it is!!! The sweet stuff!!!! My cavities are back!!!! Hallelujah!!!!!

I had the feeling you'd be happy with this chapter... :) Thanks!

Link to comment
On 03/02/2017 08:16 PM, droughtquake said:

So TP/Wally has a name!

 

And he’s not rushing to have sex with Graham! He’s finally thinking with his heart instead of his libido. He’s even gotten to know things about Graham as a person before they ever kissed. Even if they later decide they aren’t compatible, this is much more than Wally (to avoid a spoiler) has managed in the past.

Finally, a name for the man who had none. And your comment about finally thinking with the heart instead of the libido is exactly right. I think Wally (thanks for not letting on)is finding this both exhilarating and difficult. It says a lot about Graham that Wally is thinking that way.

 

Many thanks for your comments and for reading this story!

Link to comment

What a huge chapter!! That huge wave washed TP away, and allowed Scott to emerge in his place. What a beautiful transformation. I think Scott can finally be the man he's destined to be!

  • Love 1
Link to comment
On 03/03/2017 01:20 AM, Okiegrad said:

What a huge chapter!! That huge wave washed TP away, and allowed Scott to emerge in his place. What a beautiful transformation. I think Scott can finally be the man he's destined to be!

You have a marvelous sense of metaphor...what a great way to look at it. Thanks for continuing to read the story, and I hope you enjoy it.

Link to comment

A lot of people and experiences have washed the Predator away, you have unleashed a storm and we have got Scott now. Much more likeable than the other one. I do not know why but I think the dirty clothes are somehow important, too. Can't imagine his former self to be content with "second hand" items.
I wonder about Scott comparing his own reactions to his of the previous five years and acknowledging the change within himself. How fitting that he should offer his real identity exactly at that moment...
Lot's of chances for the future now. We'll see - thank you for letting us off without one of your cliffhangers this time. Obviously, great chapters do not (always) need one...

  • Love 1
Link to comment
On 03/03/2017 04:35 AM, mayday said:

A lot of people and experiences have washed the Predator away, you have unleashed a storm and we have got Scott now. Much more likeable than the other one. I do not know why but I think the dirty clothes are somehow important, too. Can't imagine his former self to be content with "second hand" items.

I wonder about Scott comparing his own reactions to his of the previous five years and acknowledging the change within himself. How fitting that he should offer his real identity exactly at that moment...

Lot's of chances for the future now. We'll see - thank you for letting us off without one of your cliffhangers this time. Obviously, great chapters do not (always) need one...

Thanks for your insight and thoughtful response. No, I don't think the old predator would have wanted anything to do with previously worn clothing. As for the new man who emerged from the sea, well, he was there all along, wasn't he? It is hard to know. I enjoyed writing this chapter, and was glad not to have a cliffie at the end. Graham has had enough excitement for one night...

  • Like 1
Link to comment

Scott. It has a nice ring to it. I finally feel the predator is authentic. The last hurdle has been leapt in his development as a human being, and he can begin to truly live. I think it's fitting he found love in an environment he feels at home in. It may have helped him drop those last vestiges of the predator. As a metaphor, I like the idea too of sea water washing him clean... cleansing him enough to open his heart and take that chance. Yeah, lots can go wrong, and he could get hurt, but there are never guarantees in life. I think he found another who's authentic, in Graham. Thanks, Parker, for easing us along and giving us reason to feel joy for this man. I'll leave it at that... Wally reborn... Scott lives... cheers... Gary....

  • Like 1
Link to comment

Okay! Scott has made his turnaround complete. He understands now that a relationship has two sides, and that there is as much pleasure in giving (if not more) than there is in receiving. This was worth waiting 25 chapters to see and hear!
Really a marvelous story, Parker. I know it isn't over, but its point has been made, at least for me. Scott has found love, and life.
Kinda gets ya...right here. Sniff. :)

  • Like 1
Link to comment
On 03/03/2017 01:19 PM, Geron Kees said:

Okay! Scott has made his turnaround complete. He understands now that a relationship has two sides, and that there is as much pleasure in giving (if not more) than there is in receiving. This was worth waiting 25 chapters to see and hear!

Really a marvelous story, Parker. I know it isn't over, but its point has been made, at least for me. Scott has found love, and life.

Kinda gets ya...right here. Sniff. :)

Can I say that you made me very happy with "worth waiting 25 chapters to see...?" I am very glad you thought that point in the story was worth the read and the wait. Scott has come a very long way, though there is more growth yet in him, certainly. I am glad the story got you right, um, there. Many thanks for reading and for your very kind comments.

Link to comment
On 03/03/2017 07:01 AM, Headstall said:

Scott. It has a nice ring to it. I finally feel the predator is authentic. The last hurdle has been leapt in his development as a human being, and he can begin to truly live. I think it's fitting he found love in an environment he feels at home in. It may have helped him drop those last vestiges of the predator. As a metaphor, I like the idea too of sea water washing him clean... cleansing him enough to open his heart and take that chance. Yeah, lots can go wrong, and he could get hurt, but there are never guarantees in life. I think he found another who's authentic, in Graham. Thanks, Parker, for easing us along and giving us reason to feel joy for this man. I'll leave it at that... Wally reborn... Scott lives... cheers... Gary....

Scott is now for real. The predator he was seems to be gone, left behind in the sea. And now Graham has pulled Scott out of the sea, and into his arms. You are right - both Scott and Graham are vulnerable and, well, human. I am glad you feel joy and some sense of celebration. Thank you so much for continuing to read the story, and for your thoughtful and generous comments.

  • Like 1
Link to comment

Nice Parker. When you're at rock bottom there isn't always any way back. Not always, not for everyone. And even as you're climbing up, you can see the big fecker called life above, ready to kick you down. I hope Scott manages to dodge the boot. I hope Graham can help him.

  • Like 1
Link to comment

The first place I went (and I hope to offend no one), but I thought of baptism. The ritual use of water to cleanse and it's meaning that we are free or reborn. The wave washing over Wally leaving Scott to emerge with new hope and a clean start for a new life was symbolic of that for me.
Anyway, I loved this chapter Parker, and from where Scott started to this point, it kind of made me a tad emotional.
Ill leave it here, and await what's next for Scott..

  • Love 1
Link to comment
On 03/03/2017 05:24 PM, Mikiesboy said:

Nice Parker. When you're at rock bottom there isn't always any way back. Not always, not for everyone. And even as you're climbing up, you can see the big fecker called life above, ready to kick you down. I hope Scott manages to dodge the boot. I hope Graham can help him.

Thanks, tim. To climb from the bottom - if it's at all possible, as you say - often means detours, switchbacks, and indirect approaches. Scott has learned some of this. And I know Graham wants to be there to help Scott climb, and shield him from the very aptly figured boot. Thanks again for reading and for your generous encouragement.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
On 03/04/2017 02:39 AM, Defiance19 said:

The first place I went (and I hope to offend no one), but I thought of baptism. The ritual use of water to cleanse and it's meaning that we are free or reborn. The wave washing over Wally leaving Scott to emerge with new hope and a clean start for a new life was symbolic of that for me.

Anyway, I loved this chapter Parker, and from where Scott started to this point, it kind of made me a tad emotional.

Ill leave it here, and await what's next for Scott..

Now there is a metaphor I hadn't considered. Wow. I am glad that symbol occurred to you; even more happy that this chapter was a good one for you. And yes, Scott has come a very, very, long way. Thanks so much for your insights and for continuing to read the story.

  • Like 1
Link to comment

What a wonderful chapter, Parker! :)

 

I love Def's description of the baptism and Okie's take on it too. It's so true; the wave washing over TP/Wally, leaving Scott in its wake. Wish he had a different name, though. Scott is the name of my ex. :lol:

 

I'm happy that Scott realizes he wants more than the physical aspects of a relationship with Graham. He's going forward propelled by his heart this time. Something he's never used before.

 

Stupid question: If only Graham calls him Scott, and everyone else calls him Wally, won't the others wonder why Graham isn't calling him Wally? :P

Link to comment
On 03/09/2017 05:15 AM, Rambling Robin said:

Yay! He didn't die! Xoxo Robin

No. Definitely and very much alive. :) Thanks for coming back this week...

Link to comment
On 03/05/2017 04:02 PM, Lisa said:

What a wonderful chapter, Parker! :)

 

I love Def's description of the baptism and Okie's take on it too. It's so true; the wave washing over TP/Wally, leaving Scott in its wake. Wish he had a different name, though. Scott is the name of my ex. :lol:

 

I'm happy that Scott realizes he wants more than the physical aspects of a relationship with Graham. He's going forward propelled by his heart this time. Something he's never used before.

 

Stupid question: If only Graham calls him Scott, and everyone else calls him Wally, won't the others wonder why Graham isn't calling him Wally? :P

Your so-called stupid question is very good. And possibly others will come to call TP by his real name, too, eventually. Or maybe they'll stick with 'Wally,' because it's what they know, and don't choose to get to know him better. But you are certainly correct that Scott is being propelled by his heart this time. Sorry about choosing a name with an unfortunate history. Thanks for reading the story, anyhow...

Link to comment
  • Site Administrator

And he has a name! :D It's almost like he was baptized with the wave crashing over him and now the name revelation.  My hat is off to you for making Scott redeemable.  I still think there's going to be a lot more grit in this story, though.  His past will catch up to him.  He'll have to tell Graham at some point if he has any hope of making the relationship work.  I really really really do not want Marquez to get his hands on Graham.  Or Scott.  And I loved the line about not boding well for science. :gikkle: 

Link to comment

typo alert: "Nice play you have…" -- I think you mean "place"?

He could take command right then and there, and it would feel incredibly good, satisfying both himself and Graham. He had no doubt of that. But that wasn’t what he wanted; he wanted something better, something to satisfy a deeper, more insistent hunger. -- Something more human, "Scott."

When Graham echoes Scott's saying that he thinks he's falling for him, too, he's really telling Scott not only that he's human but that he has a history as well. And from the sound of it, Graham's past forays into romance have not always gone well, hence his own tentativeness. BUT, has he seen the video?

OTOH, Scott now needs to find ways not simply to be authentic with Graham, but honestly transparent about who he's been, what he's done, and what has brought him to this moment, even more than he was with Michael. Not all at once, as if to drop a truth bomb of brutal honesty designed to scare Graham off and self-fulfill his own feelings of not being good enough. But over whatever time is left before Graham takes him home.

  • Love 1
Link to comment
4 hours ago, BlueWindBoy said:

typo alert: "Nice play you have…" -- I think you mean "place"?

He could take command right then and there, and it would feel incredibly good, satisfying both himself and Graham. He had no doubt of that. But that wasn’t what he wanted; he wanted something better, something to satisfy a deeper, more insistent hunger. -- Something more human, "Scott."

When Graham echoes Scott's saying that he thinks he's falling for him, too, he's really telling Scott not only that he's human but that he has a history as well. And from the sound of it, Graham's past forays into romance have not always gone well, hence his own tentativeness. BUT, has he seen the video?

OTOH, Scott now needs to find ways not simply to be authentic with Graham, but honestly transparent about who he's been, what he's done, and what has brought him to this moment, even more than he was with Michael. Not all at once, as if to drop a truth bomb of brutal honesty designed to scare Graham off and self-fulfill his own feelings of not being good enough. But over whatever time is left before Graham takes him home.

Thank you for the typo alert. How did I miss it? Scott and Graham may fall for one another, but as you say, it may not be sufficient. Perhaps Scott will find a way to be convincingly authentic. Or maybe not - it’s a tall order for him, after all. I’m very, very grateful for these excellent and thoughtful comments. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
View Guidelines

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Newsletter

    Sign Up and get an occasional Newsletter.  Fill out your profile with favorite genres and say yes to genre news to get the monthly update for your favorite genres.

    Sign Up
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Our Privacy Policy can be found here: Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue..