As my first foray into writing, of any genre, I welcome any feedback and comments, whether about the writing or the story!
Eric was huffing and puffing, his hands full with an awkwardly large and heavy parcel, as he walked down the hallway of his building. He fumbled for his keys, struggling to open the front door of his small apartment. As he got in, he hurried towards the kitchen counter, his arms aching to release their cargo.
He stepped back, catching his breath, proud and excited about what this purchase was about to do to his body, his mind, and his life.
After watching documentaries and reading about nutrition, Eric decided to try his hands at health smoothies, so he bought an expensive power blender. He considered it a brave first step.
A dark thought nagged at him, taunting him that it was just another gadget and that it would soon be collecting dust in his overcrowded storage room. Why bother?
Eric shook his head. “No.” he said out loud with a surge of confidence. He had spent enough time being a supporting character in his own story, he decided. It was about time he took control of his life back from that cloud in the back of his mind.
He unpacked, cleaned and assembled the device quickly. He had bought a variety of fruits and vegetables to mix and match according to recipes he’d found online.
When it was done mixing, he transferred the green liquid to a glass, and, toasting himself, drank his healthy concoction. It didn’t taste bad, but he’d have to push through if he was going to keep it up. And he was going to keep it up, he swore.
Eric caught his reflection on the mirror in the hall facing the kitchen, and sighed.
The t-shirt he wore was too large, trying in vain to hide the fat rolls everybody knew were under the thin fabric. He had a round face with brown eyes that were still heavy with sadness, a well kept beard, and light brown hair that he kept short for low maintenance. He would have been the typical chubby bear.
He could have been handsome, he guessed. Probably in another life.
Eric had always been stocky, as he enjoyed pizza, beer and video games. He briefly got into hikes and walks when his ex started his fitness journey, but he had made sure Eric’s involvement in that stop abruptly.
He hated looking at his body, but at least the sight of the green smoothie in his hand gave him hope he would be able to shave off the pounds he had gained after his husband left him almost two years ago.
The sudden thought of Dominic made his whole body tighten and the deep empty hole in his chest throb. He had to fight the wave of despair that threatened to engulf him, as it had so many times before.
But this time was going to be different, he decided. With the help of his therapist, he was finally in control of himself, and one veggie smoothie at a time, he was committed to forgetting about his lying, cheating ex.
Tomorrow, Eric was gonna hit the gym for the first time since high school, many years ago. He had scouted the club around the corner from his building, and subscribed to become a member.
He had to battle his anxiety about this part, terrified of looking like the fat pathetic fool in front of a bunch of gym bros. But starting to work out was the second step of his master plan to get his life back. Exercise meant better sleep, which he desperately needed, but also a smaller belly. Maybe then he’d meet a guy that could help him write a new chapter.
“You’re going to fail,” whispered the nagging thought at the back of his mind.
“Maybe,” he thought back, defiant. The sudden burst of courage was finally able to compete with the dark thoughts, and he was going to make the best of it. “At least I’m trying something.”
*******
To his relief, the community gym wasn’t busy that morning, and the locker room was empty when Eric got in. He proceeded quickly, before anybody could walk in and laugh at his flabby skin. He changed into his baggy workout clothes, dark and grey to attract as little attention as possible.
Walking back onto the floor, he spotted several empty machines, which would make it easier to not feel too self-conscious about his body, his clothes, and how out of place he appeared to be in a gym.
He found his way towards a treadmill on the side. As he got settled, he noticed a group of jocks lifting weights not too far from him, chatting enthusiastically between sets.
The four men were so incredibly handsome, Eric almost turned on his heels and fled. Two were blonde hulking giants, the third a bald bull of a man, and the last one a more average sized fellow with dark hair and a short beard, though definitely still a hunk by any standards. They were all sweaty and wearing tight clothes, showing off their well developed musculature.
Eric had to wrestle with his own focus to make sure he wouldn’t be caught staring. He didn’t want to draw any undue attention to himself, especially from guys like them.
Even though he feared jocks ever since being the target of bullies in high school, Eric had always been attracted to them. Muscular guys were like a magnet for his eyes. Something about the bulging muscles, veiny arms, strong backs, sculpted hip lines leading to powerful thighs and calves.
He had had crushes on jocks in the past, but he understood how the world works. He was better off avoiding them and observing from afar, unnoticed.
Eric put his headphones in, and started on the treadmill slowly, getting steadily a bit faster, a bit steeper. Soon, he was panting and sweating. He was paying attention to his steps, but once in a while, a glistening body would catch the light and flash in the reflection of the nearby mirror.
He watched as the bulging muscles flexed and relaxed, over and over. The four men’s bodies were out of a porn video, three hot bodybuilders and a handsome hunk that could individually make Eric’s mouth water, knees weak and cock drip. Their skimpy outfits only highlighted their assets. Eric made himself look away, afraid he would get caught.
The 20 minutes timer lasted much longer than he had anticipated. Out of breath, he stepped off the treadmill, wiping his brow with his towel. As he gulped water, he noticed the four men had left.
After a short break, Eric decided to take advantage of the empty section of the gym to try another machine in peace. He spotted one with weights and cables that the workout app had recommended and settled for a weight that felt comfortable enough. But after a few reps, his muscles felt strained and it was becoming too difficult to sustain.
He was about to give up when he heard someone approaching behind him. A quick look at the nearby mirror revealed that the dark haired hunk was getting closer, trying to quietly get Eric’s attention.
“Fuck,” he thought. “A whole gym and of course I’m in the way…”
He let down the weights and started to remove his headphones when he finally looked up at the man. For a moment, he forgot how to breathe.
The man was taller than Eric, wearing a tight black tank top that displayed his broad muscular shoulders and massive biceps, a wide chest, chiseled abs and a narrow waist, along with green shorts that accentuated his thick hairy legs. He had a narrow face and a heavy stubble with cheekbones that would make models envious. His thin lips were stretched into a friendly unassuming smile, and his dark hair was messy, but in an effortlessly cool way.
Eric gulped. It was almost absurd how hot the guy looked after an intense and sweaty workout session.
“Hi there! Sorry to bother you. I’m Kyle” said the dark haired hunk in a bright voice.
But what made Eric’s heart skip a beat was the man’s eyes, a shade of blue so dark they looked like the deep ocean with how they sparkled in the harsh light of the gym. The smile made his eyes squint, which gave him a kind and genuine look that immediately drew Eric in.
“Hi Kyle. I’m Eric” he replied, blinking, not sure if he was expected to pause what he was doing to chat, or hurry up and get out of the guy’s way.
“I couldn’t help but notice that you’re new here. I know my way around the gym if you have any questions!”
“Uh, thank you. Yeah I guess it’s been a while,” he joked.
Kyle chuckled, his eyes squinting even more. “For example, the movement you were just doing, the angle was a bit wrong. I can show you the correct form if you want to try again?”
Eric hesitated, feeling his chest tighten. Kyle was surprisingly polite for someone this attractive. Eric’s guard went up. Nobody was this friendly with someone like him unless they wanted something. But if Kyle was really offering to help, there was no harm in accepting his assistance, right?
“Uh, sure?” He sat back down and grabbed the handles again.
“Here, turn your wrist this way” Kyle reached for his arm to adjust it, bringing his body closer. Without thinking, Eric inhaled the smell coming from the armpit in front of him, an alluring mix of cedar, clean sweat and a bit of musk. Eric swallowed hard, trying to focus on what Kyle was actually saying. Something about the muscle he should be focusing on with this particular movement?
Eric followed the instructions of his unexpected mentor, awkwardly flexing his arm at a reasonable pace, when he caught a glimpse of Kyle’s bulge. The green workout shorts did a poor job of concealing the healthy package underneath. On cue, Eric’s imagination shamelessly provided the image of what the man in front of him would look like naked, and that made him sweat even more.
“Nicely done!” Kyle commented at the end of the set, with a genuine smile that challenged Eric’s doubts. His friendliness didn’t feel as calculated as he previously thought.
“Thanks. I tried the internet, but it turns out the AI doesn’t know as much as I thought. They're not ready to take over the world yet.”
“Yeah nothing beats the warmth of a human touch,” Kyle said with a smile.
Eric blushed, but tried not to read into the comment too much. A man like Kyle wouldn’t be flirting with a man like him. To calm his nerves, Eric went back to a safer topic. “Any other tips for this machine you can share?”
Kyle enthusiastically proceeded to guide him through other exercises, adjusting the angle of Eric’s body, the alignment of his limbs, eyeing up his movements with attention.
“You seem to know a lot about working out,” Eric commented, not wanting to directly mention the other’s amazing physique.
“Yeah I was on the wrestling team in high school, and I had to spend a lot of time at the gym to get bigger and stronger. It’s become a routine ever since. It relaxes me,” Kyle shared as he casually adjusted Eric’s hip with both hands. The touch was light, but seemed to linger a bit more than was needed.
Nothing about it was sexual, and yet the contact sent electricity through Eric’s spine.
Everything about this man felt like a test on Eric’s restraint, and it was getting more difficult by the minute not to stare at him in awe. In a few moments, even his sitting position wouldn’t be enough to hide his growing erection.
From the corner of his eyes, Eric caught sight of Kyle’s friends returning from the other side of the gym, chatting amongst themselves. He saw them notice their buddy helping the fat stranger, and start towards them with curiosity.
Eric knew it was time to leave. One straight man was easy enough to placate, kind and polite and helpful and charming and handsome as he may be, but he had learned that a group of them could turn quickly against an easy target like him.
“Alright, well, that’s gonna be it for me today!” he abruptly said to Kyle as he quickly cleaned the machine and gathered his things. “Thank you so much for all your help.”
Kyle’s eyebrows went up, as if taken aback. “Oh. There’s other starter exercises I can show you, if you want? I don’t mind at all.” He looked like a puppy begging but being refused food. Eric had to force himself to keep moving.
“You’ve given me more than enough to work with. I can’t thank you enough for your time.”
“Always happy to help someone trying to get into shape!” Kyle added with a genuine smile, still hopeful.
“Well, everything hurts, so you’re really good at this. Thanks again.”
“My pleasure. See you around.” Kyle said, waving.
*******
Eric retreated to the locker room, not daring to look over his shoulder. He sat on the bench, wondering what had just happened. Why was the hottest man in the gym, in most gyms even, being so nice to him? Pity, he guessed. Yeah, seeing a poor fat guy struggle must have made the handsome dark haired knight jump into action.
He slowly stretched his limbs, realizing he had completed his very first workout, and had lived to tell the tale. His legs were sore from the treadmill, and his arms from the weights. He felt proud. Every ache was a small victory against his old self. The eye candy in tight clothes was just a bonus.
Thirsty, Eric went to get more water, and while his back was turned, he heard someone walk in. From the sound, he knew it was one person, so at least it wasn’t the four hunks he’d have to hide his body from. But as he went back to his locker, he turned the corner and bumped directly into a very shirtless Kyle.
Eric was knocked off balance, and Kyle grabbed for him. Their arms locked, and Eric steadied himself. The skin under his fingers was warm, the muscles hard and flexed.
“Oh shit, I’m so sorry!” Eric exclaimed quickly. He wanted to take a step back, but the hands on his arms rooted him in place, way too close to the other man.
“Hey no worries,” Kyle chuckled.
Eric could feel Kyle’s breath and smell the mix of cedar and sweat on his skin. His eyes involuntarily flicked down to the muscular chest in front of him. The large pecs had a thin layer of dark hair that also covered the lower portion of his perfectly sculpted abs, he noticed as his gaze trailed further down.
Eric caught himself staring, and his head sprang back up, cheeks burning.
“Sorry I startled you,” Kyle added, giving Eric’s shoulder a squeeze before letting go. “I’m beat, so I decided to cut today short.”
Kyle proceeded to the mirror to inspect and feel each of his impressive muscles, running his hands on his furry chest and abs. He pushed his already low-rise shorts even lower, revealing the perfect V shape hip muscles.
Eric felt like he should say something to keep the conversation going, but his brain had stopped working. All he could do was smile and avert his gaze.
He still stole glances when he thought it was safe, eyeing up the hunk’s back, noticing the wide shoulders and defined back he so admired, leading to a beautiful plump ass. Kyle was the hottest and most handsome man Eric had ever seen, he concluded, his dick twitching in agreement.
Lost in thoughts, he suddenly noticed Kyle looking directly at him. The jock’s eyes had an intensity that caught Eric’s breath. “Fuck” he thought. He was caught staring at a straight gym bro. The heat that had stayed in his cheeks flared to the rest of his face.
But to his surprise, Kyle’s expression wasn’t anger, suspicion, or disgust. He looked at the same time pleased with himself and flattered, as if his confidence and shyness were both wrestling to takle control of his smile.
Kyle grabbed at his shorts, shifting himself inside, an adorable sheepish grin growing on his face. “Yeah these shorts don’t work too well when I’m excited.”
“I mean, you do look amazing in them,” Eric heard himself say. His face flushed and he turned away, in disbelief of his own boldness. He had gone too far.
“Thanks man.”
Embarrassed, Eric went on to gather his stuff and head to the shower. There was no way he was revealing any more skin in front of this Greek god of a man. He would change in the stall.
*******
The shower area was also empty. The stalls were arranged in a single row, and Eric picked the last one, against the back wall. He locked the door and sat on the little bench, trying to slow his breathing.
So he had been forced to flee again. Everywhere Eric needed to be, Kyle was there, unaware that he was flaunting his charms around. Eric would have to be careful, since Kyle was not. He couldn’t fall for a guy who would just reject him. He wasn’t strong enough. Well, not yet anyway.
But he could still look. And imagine him naked. Lost in thought, Eric undressed and started the shower to clean off the morning’s sweat. The water was cold, bringing his mind into focus.
That’s when he noticed someone get in the adjacent stall. “Hope you’re ok with cold showers, bud,” came Kyle’s voice. “They’ve been having issues with the hot water.”
“All good, I kinda like a cold shower. Keeps me focused!” he replied. Kyle chuckled again.
Eric was puzzled. There were something like eight other stalls away from him Kyle could have picked. Was Kyle like a dog, wanting to be close, oblivious about personal space?
But at the thought of the muscular stud all naked and wet on the other side of the partition, Eric’s hand quickly moved down towards his growing dick. It wasn’t long, but it was thick, about 6 inches around, with large balls he tried to keep tidy.
He played with his foreskin, his balls, the other hand reaching for his nipple. In his mind, he could see Kyle, a few feet away, soaping up his hairy muscles and stroking his cock. Eric stifled a moan.
But when he heard the moan out loud, he stopped. It had come from the other side of the partition. Or was it just his imagination?
Bending over to partially look under the stall, he could see Kyle’s big feet in splashing water, along with the shadow of a back and forth movement.
Eric’s jaw dropped. Kyle, the muscle hunk he’s been trying not to gawk at since he first saw him, was jerking off right next to him. And not even trying to hide it too.
Kyle’s rhythm was steady, moving up and down what looked like a massive cock. Eric couldn’t look away.
Another low moan from Kyle made Eric’s cock spring in his hand. He tried to get a more comfortable stance while still being able to look at the action in the other stall. His own hand started again, matching Kyle’s cadence, imagining they were jerking off together.
Eric’s free hand played with his nipples, lightly pinching and pulling. Before he could control it, he let out a little whimper. He froze, ready for the impact, certain that Kyle had heard him.
But instead of saying anything, Kyle moved and positioned his shape to be clearly visible from the other stall. Eric couldn’t believe it. Was Kyle offering himself to him? “He’s just really horny,” he thought.
His brain was scrambling to make sense of what was happening, so his hard cock took over. Eric shifted and aimed for his own shadow to appear next to Kyle’s, to let him know he was also in this.
They stroked together at matching speed, their shadows sometimes touching, the sounds of their movements swallowed by the noise of the water. As their rhythm got faster, Eric’s breathing got shorter.
He noticed the shape change, and saw Kyle’s hand grab the top of the partition wall, his fingers visible on the other side. Eric joined him, hooking his own fingers at the top, not too far, still working his cock with his other hand and breathing hard. He was getting close and wanted to follow Kyle.
But then, Kyle moved his hand to cover Eric’s fingers. The unexpected touch was gentle, but laced with urgency. Even on different sides of a metal partition, the quiet connection was intimate like nothing Eric had ever felt before.
And that closeness to another man, let alone Kyle, and in such a situation, pushed Eric over the edge.
His cock exploded, the wave of pleasure going through him so hard his knees almost buckled. He grunted, fighting a loud cry that would’ve alerted the entire gym. Pulse after pulse, he shot copious amounts of cum on the stall wall, gripping the top so he wouldn’t collapse.
Then he heard similar grunts from the other side, and felt the grip on his fingers tightening. The hunk was also cumming, shooting on the wall the same way Eric had done.
He almost wanted to bend down and look at the shadow from below, but he didn’t want to let go of the hand, preferring to stay connected to Kyle as he rode his own orgasm. This link was real, and it filled him with a warmth that he didn’t want to abandon yet.
After what felt like forever, both catching their breath, Kyle did let go. His hand squeezed Eric's fingers before leaving. Not in a hurry, but with the finality of a task accomplished.
Eric took a step back and stared at the partition, wishing he had x-ray vision. The voice in his head suggested Kyle was probably shaking his head, wondering in disgust what the hell he had just done with the fat stranger from the gym.
Resigned, Eric continued his shower, cleaning himself and making sure to wash off any traces of their horny puppet show from the stall wall. Kyle finished first, and left for the lockers without a word.
Eric took his time drying himself, distracted. He got dressed, packed his things, and left the safety of the stall to face the consequences of his escapade.
He found Kyle getting dressed, jeans already on, sitting low on his hips, and a t-shirt going over his head, ready to hide the rest of his beautiful body. They were still alone in the locker room, so Eric didn’t feel too bad about staring a bit more.
Hearing him, Kyle turned. “Good shower huh?” He smirked knowingly.
“Yeah, the water really is cold. Very refreshing,” Eric replied with a smile, still not wanting to put into words the warm feeling that was still purring in his chest. If they didn’t talk about it, then Kyle would have an out without being ashamed of what he’d done.
But Kyle’s face became serious, any trace of a smile leaving his lips. “Fuck,” thought Eric, his heart tightening. “We’re going there.”
“So, I was wondering if you needed a buddy to work out?” Kyle asked in a casual tone that did nothing to tame the intensity of his gaze. “If you want, I can help you figure out what exercises to do, and spot you when you need a hand.”
It wasn’t what Eric was expecting. “Oh,” he said, taken aback. The hunk wasn’t running away, but instead wanted to see more of him?
Kyle’s eyebrows rose, waiting for his answer. Eric felt a pull between them, as if something important hinged on his response.
Being around the hottest man at the gym was definitely something he’d enjoy doing, but he’d have to be careful about dealing with the heat threatening to spread through his entire body.
“Yeah that’d be great. I don’t know what I’m doing, so any help is welcome.”
Kyle’s face brightened, his lips stretching into a big grin. “Alright! So when should we start?”
Eric offered to meet up again in two days, before heading into work. Kyle agreed, very quickly Eric noticed, saying he was free most mornings.
Kyle handed his phone to Eric. “Here, add your phone number so we can text if plans change.”
“Sure.” Eric replied, impressed at how Kyle seemed to think of everything. He entered his information and handed the device back.
“Well, thanks again for your help today,” Eric said as he hooked up his bag on his shoulder, pretty sure his time to leave was approaching.
“You’re very welcome, buddy. And great job today. I’ll text you to arrange the time for Wednesday.” Kyle was smiling like a kid who couldn’t wait for Christmas.
Eric walked to the exit, and awkwardly waved at the hot man who stood there, looking at him leave.
He had the creeping feeling that he was walking into a trap, like he was the helpless fly being lured to the sweet scent of a deadly flower that would inevitably be his demise.
But why was he so giddy about it?
(to be continued)
