Seekers

Chapter 6 - Getting into the routine

The first weeks at Magna Software were demanding and Jeff found himself working long hours. At least it had the advantage, so he reasoned, of not being alone too much, and therefore, not tempted to dwell on sex. But he found himself looking forward to the sessions at the gym. There was no time for much conversation there, but at least he could see Paul, exchange pleasantries with him and work through the dance routine next to him.

"Hi, I wondered of you'd make it. You seem to have been too busy to get here." Paul's smile was welcoming. "Sign in and I'll wait for you to change."

"Thanks. It's been a bit crazy, but it's settling down now." Jeff was very pleased to see him. He'd hardly had a chance to visit the Black Cat since starting work, and likewise the gym. This was the first time he'd been able to get here since his first introduction. He took in the lycra leggings, loose shorts and tight fitting tee shirt, and smiled.  "I'll be quick. How are you? Pity you missed the club when Clive and Tom treated me — the cabaret was fabulous."

Paul gave a funny grin. "Yeah, sorry about that, I had a problem I had to deal with and then it was too late. I heard you enjoyed it though." He lounged against the lockers as Jeff shed his suit and fished in his bag for his exercise kit. 

Easing on the lycra leggings and his teeshirt, he pulled a pair of loose shorts over the tights, then sat and slipped on the soft trainers he used when doing gymnastics. He stood, shoved everything into the locker, and grinned. "Right. I'm set, where can I warm up? I'm probably well out of condition now."

"You don't look it." Paul's smile was wide. "This way, and we'll do it together."

The workout was thorough, Jeff was soaked in sweat by the time they finished, but his whole body seemed to glow as he stripped, grabbed a towel and headed for the shower. Through the running water he heard Paul enter and take an adjacent cubicle, but neither of them spoke as the water sluiced over them. He emerged and had towelled himself dry by the time Paul joined him once again in the locker room. Surreptitiously, as he packed himself into his briefs and dragged on his slacks, he checked his friend's physique as the towel dropped to the floor, and liked everything he could see. He almost exclaimed as he noticed Paul's total lack of body hair. Even his friend's crotch was completely free of it. His excitement surged at the sight of the shapely circumcised cock and the shapely scrotum. Then he mentally slapped himself and tried to think of something else. 

"I've a while before I have to get to the art school yet. Care to join me for a coffee or something?" Paul was back in his usual outfit of tight jeans, loose shirt and jacket over a fresh tee shirt. His deodorant was subtle and pleasant Jeff noted.

"Sounds good to me. Can I stand you to a light snack? I need something." He hoped desperately that his arousal wasn't obvious.

Paul laughed. "You're on. Come on, let's get going, I know a place just round the corner."

"Lead me to it then, I'm starved." Jeff grabbed his bag and followed Paul to the door. "That was a great workout, I think I'd better sign up to join so I can take a regular session." He hesitated, then, as casually as he could, asked, "What nights do you come? Perhaps I can arrange to come on the same days."

Paul chuckled. "Yeah, that would be nice. I do Mondays and Thursdays here. Same time. I'll get you signed up shall I?"

The cafe was close by and obviously Paul was well known. They took a table near the back and ordered isotonic drinks and sandwiches, laughing at the fact they both went for the same filling and the same flavour drinks. 

"Weird, but I don't like most of the other flavours." Jeff grinned. "And turkey and cranberry is my first choice. BLT in the mornings though."

Paul nodded. "Yeah, can't eat BLT at night. Its a breakfast thing." His smile widened. "And the turkey is less fattening."

They both laughed as the waitress brought their orders. "Will that be all? Do you want the tab now, or later?"

Jeff had his wallet out. "I'll settle it." He pulled out a ten, having calculated the amount. "Keep the change."

She smiled. "Thanks, you're going to be welcome here anytime, tipping like that."

Jeff blushed, suddenly very conscious of his friend's amusement. "Sorry, I didn't mean to offend."

She laughed. "Offend? No." She winked at Paul. "Most of our customers don't is all. Enjoy the meal."

When she'd gone, Paul said, "Thanks for this." He picked up one of the thick quarter sections and smiled. "You're pretty generous you know. Don't do yourself short — I know your budget is almost as tight as mine."

Jeff was surprised, for a moment he couldn't think of a response. "Well I appreciate the service I get — I know not everyone does — but I've been there as well in my college days." He took a bite of the sandwich and chewed appreciatively. "Good sandwich as well, worth the tip."

Paul laughed and shook his head. "Yeah, they do make a good sandwich here. Anyway, how's it working out in the flat?"

"Great. It gets a little lonely at times, but most of the time I'm too busy to notice." Jeff regarded his companion. "I still don't understand why you couldn't have taken it on. Surely your step-father could have worked out a deal for you?"

"Probably." Paul studied his sandwich. "But it suits me to be where I am at the moment. I only go there to sleep anyway."

Jeff considered for a moment. "Look, I'm not doing anything Sunday. Would you — I thought maybe — perhaps, you'd like to spend the day. Have lunch maybe?"

Paul met his look. "I don't know, it's nice of you to ask ..." His face relaxed slightly. "Let me think it over. Can I ring you? I work late Saturday nights, and I usually sleep Sundays, so I wouldn't be early."

"You could always come straight to the flat after work." Jeff was trying not to sound eager. "The sofa is a good quality sofa bed. It's yours — or you could have my bed and I'll sleep on the sofa. That way I can leave you to sleep and get the lunch going without disturbing you." He cursed his clumsiness as Paul's face betrayed doubt. "Sorry. I guess I'm pushing to hard. If you don't want to ..."

Paul's hand covered Jeff's. "No. I accept. But I probably won't get there much before three in the morning." He pushed his chair back and stood. "See you on Thursday? I'll confirm about Sunday then."