Eric woke up tangled in the sheets, the sun shining on his face. He turned his head slightly, trying not to move around too much, but found the other half of the bed empty and cold. Kyle was already up.
He glanced at the time. It was late! As he blinked away the sleep, he was impressed at how refreshed and clearheaded he felt, for the first time this week. Being in bed with Kyle was definitely great.
Eric came out of the bedroom, looking around for the man he went to sleep with, wondering if he might be watching TV or cooking himself breakfast. But the apartment was quiet. Nothing on the kitchen counter, and no message on his phone.
Eric’s stomach twisted. Did Kyle just leave? He might have realized it was just too much, and concluded he needed to get out before it got worse.
He heard the keys jangle in the front door. Eric’s imagination flared, showing him a shadowy figure somehow breaking in and robbing him. He stood frozen.
Kyle opened the door, letting himself back in quietly with Eric’s keys, a shopping bag in hand. His hair and hoodie were wet from what looked like rain or wet snow.
He was startled to find Eric in the kitchen, but a grin quickly brightened his face. “Good morning sleepyhead! I didn’t want to wake you, so I went out and got us food.”
Eric, hand on his chest, let out a breath. “I got scared someone was trying to break in.”
Kyle shrugged sheepishly. “Nope, just me. I bring gifts though”, he added, motioning to the bag.
Eric gazed at him fondly. “Even empty-handed, that’s a much much better outcome.” Kyle snickered.
“I almost thought you got second thoughts and left without a word”, Eric added, shyly.
Kyle set his bag down and pulled him into a hug. “Oh you’re not getting rid of me that easily, Mr. Bossman.”
He gently cupped the nape of Eric’s neck, bringing him close. Eric grabbed Kyle’s waist and lost himself in the embrace, enjoying the warmth of their bodies pressed together.
“I was dreaming about you, about grabbing you and kissing you”, Kyle said softly.
“Well then, let’s make your dreams come true”, Eric announced. “I just need to take care of this morning breath first…”
They both cleaned up, Kyle waiting patiently for his turn, his toothbrush head in hand.
Eric then waited in the bed, when Kyle entered the bedroom as he was removing his t-shirt. Seeing the hairy chest and chiseled abs made Eric’s breath catch and his mouth water.
Kyle lowered himself on top of Eric and dove in for a deep kiss, his tongue entering without any resistance, their lips molding into one.
Kyle was supporting himself on his arms, like he was doing a pushup, and his biceps bulged, giving something exciting for Eric’s hands to explore while their mouths were busy. Soon, he was moaning at the sensation of the warm body on his, the hard muscles under his fingers, the eager tongue dancing in his mouth.
Kyle came up for air, his eyes hazy, and shifted so he could lay down on his side facing Eric.
“Damn. It’s even better than what my dream could come up with”, he said cupping Eric’s face.
He pushed his hand under Eric’s t-shirt, and went straight for his chest, rubbing and pinching the nipples lightly. Eric whimpered and leaned in for another kiss, his hands all over Kyle’s hairy body.
Kyle straightened up and removed Eric’s t-shirt, a hunger in his eyes. His lips were parted as he bent back down, kissing and inhaling Eric’s skin with a growl of satisfaction.
Eric arched into the touch, a shiver running through him. Kyle’s mouth was ravenous, while his hands moved to Eric's sides, then his hips, pulling him closer.
Eric gently pushed Kyle onto his back, then leaned down, tracing the lines of his muscles all the way down to his aroused bulge, before removing both of their underwear.
He salivated at the sight of Kyle’s veiny cock, and wasted no time taking him into his mouth, the taste and feel of him intoxicating. Kyle moaned, a deep, guttural sound that vibrated through his whole body.
Eric’s lips glided along the shaft, making it wet, his tongue twirling around the head, with Kyle’s fingers tangled softly in his hair, pulling him closer.
After sharing a glance, Kyle shifted them, rotating their bodies so they could 69 on their sides. Eric shivered as Kyle’s mouth expertly worked on him, and he tried to match his hunger. Both of them were soon making slurping sounds as they enthusiastically sucked each other.
Kyle’s fingers knowingly began to work their way towards Eric’s hole, teasing at first, then getting more insistent.
Eric released Kyle’s cock and balls for a moment, to reach for the bottle of lube in the nightstand. Kyle took it, his mouth never leaving Eric’s dick, and applied a generous amount to his fingers before returning to gently probe the opening.
Eric, his mouth full again, let out a soft gasp at the cold sensation, and moaned. He moved one leg up to allow Kyle easier access, signaling his readiness for more.
After a few fingers started delving into him steadily, Kyle’s relentless tongue was driving Eric closer to the edge. He gently tapped on his shoulder, hoping to get him to slow down.
Kyle seemed to understand, as he slowed the pace of his fingers and his mouth let go of Eric. He kissed his leg as he straightened up in one fluid movement and repositioned himself behind Eric.
Their eyes met, and Kyle looked lost in lust, his hands back on Eric, exploring every curve. He took Eric’s hand, drawing his fingers to his mouth and sucking on them with intensity. He let the hand out of his mouth to let Eric cup his face, leaning into it.
Working his cock in one hand, Kyle slowly eased himself into Eric, his mouth parted as he let out a soft breath.
Eric fought the sting of pain, and pushed back against Kyle, urging his body to open further.
“Fuck, you’re so tight”, Kyle groaned, his voice thick.
Their eyes were still locked. Kyle’s were burning with a wild desire mixed with a comforting tenderness.
Eric felt the pressure ease and the pleasure take over. In response, he wrapped one leg around Kyle’s waist, pulling him closer.
Kyle began to move, slowly at first, but with a deliberate rhythm.
“Oh my god, Eric, you feel so good”, Kyle rasped, his hands tight on Eric’s leg and ass. Eric moaned louder in response, lost in the consuming feeling.
He reached up to grab Kyle behind the neck, pulling him down for a kiss. Their lips parted, their tongues meeting softly as Kyle pressed faster inside him. A whimper escaped his throat and melted into Eric's mouth.
Kyle wrapped his arms around Eric, reaching deeper into him. Their foreheads were touching, faces close, and Eric could feel the heat on his cheeks every time Kyle exhaled.
With his free hand, Eric reached down, found his own cock and started stroking. He knew he wouldn’t last long, but Kyle’s breath was getting short and his eyes were getting wide, indicating that he was also reaching for the finish.
Kyle’s body shook and he let out a bellow as he poured himself deep inside Eric. Moments later, Eric followed, a wave of release washing over him as he came all over his arm.
The high slowly faded as they looked at each other. Eric still couldn’t believe how good and simple everything was when he was with him.
As if coming to the same conclusion, Kyle collapsed on his side behind Eric, spooning him close, their bodies slick and warm.
They lay there, catching their breath, as Kyle slowly pressed his lips on Eric’s neck, his hand stroking his body in quiet admiration.
****
They stayed in bed for almost an hour, cuddling naked. Eric could have remained there all day, but his stomach betrayed him once more.
“Yeah. Food”, Eric said, getting up. He put on his underwear and t-shirt, but didn’t bother with pants this time. “I’ve been doing green smoothies for breakfast for a while now.”
“Yeah, your kitchen is so well-stocked, and some quality stuff too!” Kyle commented as he followed in the kitchen. The room was still and bright, sunlight reflecting off the white polished countertops.
Eric opened the fridge. “I can make us something else if you want something more substantial. We have a few options, I’m just out of eggs.”
“Oh, I got more when I went out this morning, and a few other things, so we could stay in today.”
Eric was impressed at how thoughtful Kyle was. “Nice. Then how about some toast and that amazing omelet of yours?”
Kyle rubbed his hands together, ready to get to work.
Eric slowed him down with a hand on his arm. “Can you show me how you make it? I’d like to learn.”
“Of course!”
Kyle attentively showed Eric how he chopped the various veggies, what spices he used, how long to cook on each side, and even a pan-flipping trick he’d learned from his dad.
“You’re surprisingly domestic”, Eric observed.
“I’m a man of many talents!” Kyle winked, carefully plating the food. “It runs in the family too. My dad ran a restaurant for a long time, and said he learned everything from his dad.”
They ate at the small kitchen table, chatting about other skills passed down from their families, like Kyle’s knack for grilling and Eric’s sensible money habits.
After breakfast, Kyle helped Eric clean up, putting away dishes and wiping down surfaces. Eric smiled as he noticed how Kyle had the ability to make himself at home wherever he was, and how well they worked together.
Once the kitchen was spotless, they settled on the sofa, Eric tucked against Kyle’s side, feeling content.
“So”, Kyle began, wrapping his arm around Eric’s shoulder, his voice more serious. “I’ve been thinking about Armand and Dominic.”
Eric tensed. He knew this conversation was coming, and he guessed this was as ready as he’d ever be.
“Yeah me too”, Eric admitted. “It’s been nagging at me.”
“It just seems too… calculated.” Kyle frowned, mulling it over. “The way Armand just happened to have Dominic there, and the way he introduced him. It felt like a setup.”
“I also think it was,” Eric agreed, his voice flat. “Armand seemed to know exactly what he was doing. He’s always been… dismissive of me, and made a bunch of little comments. This felt like him using Dominic to get a rise out of me.”
“I just don’t understand why. I mean, Armand has always been intense around the people I date, but I never thought he would go so far”, Kyle exclaimed, his arm tightening around Eric protectively.
Eric sighed. “I think it’s because he wants what he thinks I have.” He glanced up at Kyle, who looked confused. “He wants you. It’s like he sees you as a prize, and he’s been trying to undermine me, to make me look bad so he could swoop in. He’s made plenty of jabs about my body, too, saying I wasn’t good enough for you. But when you didn’t rise to the bait, maybe he tried to make you jealous or something? Two birds, one stone.”
“That’s… messed up”, Kyle said, shaking his head. “So that means Armand must have dug into your past, reached out to Dominic, and they concocted a plan to undermine you. And then he introduced him right in front of us to get a reaction out of me too. He orchestrated it! He knew exactly what he was doing.” Kyle was talking through gritted teeth now.
Eric hesitated, not wanting to rush Kyle’s train of thought about his friend.
Kyle’s voice softened. “I’m so sorry I didn’t see any of it sooner. I heard his last comment to me, but I didn’t know about the rest. And I knew he had a mean streak, but I didn’t realize he was straight up cruel.”
“It’s not your fault.” Eric stroked Kyle’s thigh, trying to be reassuring.
“They wanted to break us apart before we even had a chance." Kyle’s voice was firm. "But it didn't work. It just solidified for me how wrong he is, and how right you are."
He kissed the top of Eric’s head. "We need to deal with them, but we'll do it together."
Kyle got his phone out, but paused. “Is it ok if I tell Mike? He was never that big of a fan of Armand. Their dislike turned into a competition for who was going to lift the most and the longest. I feel like he would really want to know this.”
"Yeah, sure." Eric nodded, grateful and glad that Kyle had such a good friend to turn to in such a situation.
Kyle sent a few texts, then a few more after Mike replied, then set his phone down.
“Mike said he’d meet us for lunch tomorrow”, Kyle announced, looking at Eric with a determined look on his face. “I told him a bit of what happened, and he’s already pissed off about Armand. I said we’d explain everything then.”
Eric nodded, feeling a mix of apprehension and a strange sense of relief. His previous life had come back to haunt him, but with Kyle by his side, it felt like he was now equipped to handle it. And having Mike as an ally, grumpy and intense as he usually was, would certainly help. “Okay. Good.”
They spent the rest of the day on the couch, where they watched the new Alien movie Eric hadn’t seen, much to Kyle’s excitement. Eric loved that Kyle was comfortable with his nerdy side to be able to share it with him.
Eric enjoyed the movie, in part because as it played, he was able to let his hands wander on whatever parts of Kyle’s body he could reach. He didn't even need to divert too much of his attention from the screen.
They spent a long time talking about the movie afterwards, as they made a simple baked yam with beans, one of Eric’s proud recipes. Kyle also explored Eric’s collection of video games, picking one he wanted to learn to play with him.
The evening stretched into night, filled with laughter and plans for the future to watch more movies and play more video games together. Eric felt comfortable staying in and enjoying Kyle’s presence, knowing that the busy world outside could go by without them.
As the hours grew late, they instinctively gravitated towards the bedroom. They ended up laying in bed, on their sides facing each other, their lips locked, their legs tangled. Kissing Kyle had been a revelation for Eric, a sweet exploration that made time melt away. He decided it was his new favourite hobby.
Eventually, their kisses became softer, replaced by lingering touch and shared smiles. Neither wanted to break the spell, but their eyes grew heavy with sleep.
They settled into a comfortable position, Eric back in the familiar nook against Kyle's side, a place that was starting to feel like home. He listened as Kyle’s breathing became deeper, with a cute little snore at the end.
Eric felt himself drifting off, a sense of peace settling over him that he could definitely get used to. With Kyle beside him, his world felt safe.
****
Sunday morning, Eric and Kyle met Mike at a health bar the two friends were regulars at. The place was sleepy, some synthwave ambiance music playing quietly. Mike was already there, nursing a red-brown drink, his brow furrowed.
Kyle ordered for them, two kale and pineapple power smoothies, his favourite.
“Alright, what’s up?” Mike cut straight to the chase as Eric and Kyle slid into the seats opposite him. “You made it sound like Armand finally went off the rails.”
Eric looked at Kyle, not quite sure where to begin. Kyle nodded, and started. “Armand met up with Eric’s ex, Dominic, a guy Eric was married to and who destroyed his life, and paraded him right in front of us. He tried to make it look like an accident, but it was calculated.”
Mike’s eyes narrowed, a muscle ticking in his jaw. “What the hell. And you’re sure it was actually not an accident?”
“Definitely sure.” Kyle’s voice was flat, devoid of humour. “He was practically salivating with delight at the chance to rub Dominic in Eric's face, at the prospect of hurting him.”
Mike sighed. “That’s gross, even for Armand. But… why?”
Eric took over, his voice steady as he recounted Armand’s dismissive comments, the subtle jabs, and finally, his theory that Armand saw Kyle as a prize to be won. He detailed the body shaming comments, the attempts to undermine his confidence. Mike listened intently, his expression shifting from surprise to a simmering anger.
“He definitely thinks I’m not good enough for Kyle”, Eric finished, meeting Mike’s gaze directly. “And when he couldn’t convince me to leave or Kyle to ditch me, he tried to make Kyle jealous.”
“Yeah,” Kyle said bitterly, his hand finding Eric’s under the table. “As if seeing him with Dominic would somehow make me want him?”
“What an asshole.” Mike looked disgusted now, shaking his head slowly. “I never really liked the guy, but that is beyond what I imagined. The mind games? Seriously?” he muttered. “So what are we going to do about it?”
“We have to confront him,” Kyle stated, his voice firm. “Both of us. We need to make it clear that this manipulative bullshit ends now.”
Eric, wincing slightly, insisted that they keep the theatrics to a minimum, not wanting to inflict any more drama on their friends' lives, or his own. They agreed that the gym would be a neutral ground where they could all be together without looking like an ambush.
“What do you think will happen with Leon?” Eric was fidgeting. “Would he be forced to pick between you guys and his brother? I don’t want to be the one to break up your friend group.”
Kyle gave his hand a firm squeeze. “Eric, listen to me. You didn’t choose this. Armand did. And actions have consequences. Leon can do what he wants, it’s not his fault, but I’m not interested in seeing any more of Armand.”
Mike nodded. “And I get that we just met, Eric, but I can already tell you’re a much cooler guy than he is. So count me in.”
Eric blushed. He never thought he’d ever be considered cool. “Uh, thanks, Mike. I appreciate that.”
Mike, having finished his drink, got up and stretched. “Alright, lovebirds. I’ll see you at the gym tomorrow. And then…” he crashed his fist in his opened palm with an evil grin. “...we strike.”
****
Monday morning’s workout arrived way too fast for Eric’s liking. He knew he’d have to face Armand and his scheme sooner or later, but this felt too soon. At least he wouldn’t be alone.
Kyle was getting him in the rhythm of squats and lunges, offering quiet encouragement as Eric pushed back up. Mike wasn’t far, doing curls on a bench with dumbbells the size of Eric’s thighs.
Eric's heart skipped a beat when he noticed a pair of tall blonde muscled men approach them.
Leon gave a friendly wave and clapped Mike on the shoulder. Armand stayed away and crossed his arms, showing off his impressive muscles, as if to be intimidating. His eyes narrowed, locked on Kyle.
“Good to see you, Kyle. Still babysitting, are we? I'd have thought you'd prefer something that can actually keep up with you.”
Kyle straightened, his hands clenching at his sides He turned to face Armand, his expression hardening. “Armand, we need to talk.”
Armand smiled and raised an eyebrow. “Of course, honey”, he drawled. “Is this about your sudden decision to become a chubby chaser? That’s been an interesting turn of events, to say the least.”
He paused, letting his gaze sweep over Eric with a condescending smirk. “Though I suppose someone has to keep you warm at night.”
Eric's face paled, and he took a small step back. Kyle saw it, and his jaw tightened. “Are you fucking kidding me man?” He glared, his voice low and dangerous. “What kind of asshole brings up someone’s ex in front of them, just to be hurtful?”
Armand’s smirk faltered, replaced by a flicker of uncertainty as Kyle carried on.
“You know, if you were into me, you could have used your big boy words instead of playing mind games. But as it turns out, I’m not into you, and I’ve never been. Not because I’m a ‘chubby chaser’ or any of your idiotic labels, but because you suck.”
Kyle took a step closer, his eyes boring into Armand’s. “I’m done excusing your shitty behaviour.”
Armand opened his mouth to retort, but Kyle turned back to Eric. “Let's go, babe, we’re done here. Time for cardio.”
Mike chimed in. “Leon, come spot me on the bench press”, ushering the confused younger brother to the other side of the gym.
They all left Armand stunned and speechless in the center of the room.
Eric was still shaking when they got to their usual treadmills. The confrontation alone made him queasy, but moreover, nobody had ever stood up for him like this before. And that made him want to cry.
“You ok?” Kyle asked as they started the machines.
“Yeah. I didn't think it would go this far. Are you ok? I feel bad that you had to go through all that drama because of me. But… Thank you. Seriously.”
Kyle flashed him a grin. “Sorry if calling you babe made you uncomfortable. I thought it would be funny, but I have to say, I kinda liked it.”
Eric smiled and blushed. Because he liked it too.
****
They left the gym together, Kyle’s hand on Eric’s back as they went down the stairs, but they soon needed to split up to each go to work. They shared a long hug, and Kyle kissed him slowly on the cheek before walking away.
Eric hooked his bag up higher on his shoulder, a distracted smile on his face and his head lost in the clouds as he started towards his office.
He turned the corner of the building to find Armand standing in front of him, blocking his way. His eyes were narrow, intense, with a menacing look on his face.
“The big lamb is alone, at last. You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into. I recommend that you back off.”
Eric froze. Would Armand really threaten him openly? “What do you mean?”
Armand towered over him. “Kyle is ‘the one’ and he’s supposed to be with me. You’re nothing, and I won’t let you interfere”, he growled, his voice low.
The familiar sting of worthlessness almost overwhelmed Eric, but for the first time, something in him fought back. A feeling fueled by Kyle's unwavering belief in him from the moment they met, by Mike's unexpected support, by every undermining comment Armand or Dominic had ever made, and by the sudden need to protect the relationship he was building.
Something in Eric snapped. An unfamiliar warmth spread through his chest, straightening his spine and lifting his chin. He met Armand's gaze, in defiance and with a new sense of clarity. He’d let people like him diminish him for too long.
Eric let out a huff in contempt. “You’re right. Kyle might very well be the one. But Armand, here's the problem: you never once considered if you’re the one for him. And from what you’ve shown all of us, you’re just a sleaze.”
Armand’s eyes narrowed, but Eric continued. “Don’t go looking for ‘the one’ if you’re not prepared to be ‘the one’ for that person. Because if we’re being honest, why would ‘the one’ settle for someone who’s a self-obsessed, manipulative jerk like you?”
Armand froze in shock, his face a mixture of disbelief and fury. He opened his mouth, but no words came out.
Eric held Armand’s stare without flinching, when a sudden realization hit him. He finally understood that true self-confidence wasn't about believing he was good enough, but from the conviction that what he believed was worth standing up for.
And clearly, Armand had never anticipated that Eric would finally stand up for himself.
“You need to work on yourself to attract the right person. But for that, you need to be able to grow up. And unfortunately for you, Armand, the best you can do is fester.”
As he sidestepped to move around a sputtering Armand, Eric noticed Dominic approaching, a familiar smugness on his face that suggested he was here to join Armand for the second round of their twisted game.
The final piece of the puzzle finally clicked in Eric’s mind. He had been so scared of being hurt again that he didn’t see the truth: the two of them were simply irrelevant to his actual worth.
A slow smile spread across his face, making Dominic frown suspiciously.
“Have fun, you two. You guys truly deserve each other.”
Eric walked away, feeling a lightness he wasn’t aware he would ever be able to feel. He didn't know what the future held, but for the first time in a long time, he felt ready for it.
****
“Babe, come on, we’re going to be late!” Eric called, looking at the time on his phone.
“I know, I know.” Kyle replied as he came out of the bathroom, his head all wet. “I just couldn’t get my hair to stay, and ended up with too much goop in it, so I had to start over.”
Eric laughed, reaching for a towel from the clean laundry pile. “Come here”, rubbing the wet hair softly. “Keep it simple, just a bit of the gel you like. You’ll look perfect.” He kissed Kyle and swatted his butt as he turned back.
Kyle finished fixing his hair, and Eric called an Uber before adjusting both of their ties.
As they came out of the elevator, the concierge of their condo building, a middle aged woman with a twinkle in her eye, whistled. “Wow, you boys clean up nice!”
Kyle giggled. “Thanks Ms. Mitchell.” She winked at them as they walked out.
They hopped in the car waiting in front of the door, and Eric relaxed as the driver sped away.
They were headed to Rebecca’s birthday party. It was at a fancy restaurant downtown, and Eric had insisted Kyle finally get a proper suit. Looking at him, he wholeheartedly agreed with Ms. Mitchell. Kyle looked even more handsome, all dressed up.
Eric had finally been able to open up to Rebecca, and after the initial awkwardness of a new friendship, they’d become inseparable. They had the exact same taste in books and movies, had an identical sense of humour, and could have an entire conversation with just a look.
The first time she had met Kyle, she had nodded with a quiet understanding. Eric hadn't fully grasped it then, but he noticed the way her eyes had lingered on Kyle, then on him, as her face lit with a warm smile. She later told Eric that she’d felt the quiet way the two of them interacted with each other. It was a compatibility that transcended their initial differences in body sizes.
Not that the size difference was so apparent now. Eric’s persistence and Kyle’s encouragement slowly transformed his round and soft physique into a more hulky shape. He had actual pecs now, and he was proud that thick veins were visible in his arms.
But the biggest difference of all, Eric knew, was his new look on life. First, quite literally, because he had started looking up, instead of staring at the ground. And second, because the shift in his perspective was immediate. Eric thrived at work, his confidence shining through in his newfound leadership.
Through it all, Kyle had been there. They had moved in together, bought a larger condo that was every day filled with laughter, music, and the comfortable rhythm of their shared lives.
The ride to the restaurant was slow, the snow covering a lot of the streets. Eric fidgeted around with the little box in his coat pocket, rehearsing what he was going to say. Rebecca had arranged the perfect moment during the evening for his little plan. The rest would be up to him.
As the car drove past a particularly impressive display of Christmas lights, Kyle grabbed his hand excitedly to get his attention.
Eric smiled. He was happy. Truly and deeply happy.
