Bonding Time In The Gym

Thor Buckner grips the tape tight around Jordan Pax’s knuckles, his own hands calloused from years of lifting, while Pax leans against the bench, chest heaving from the weight he just pushed. The gym lights catch the sweat on Buckner’s beard and the ink snaking up Pax’s arm as he adjusts his gloves, fingers flexing with the weight of the gear. They don’t speak, just the grunt of iron and the slap of tape against skin.