[Story] Move-In Day (Part 1 of 2)

Move-In Day is the first of a two-part gainer story, with a realistic take on the genre. The second part, Graduation Day, takes place four years later. Guest-written by JustJaysen (on Grommr).

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            Move-in day; the campus was a flutter with activity. Freshmen with moving boxes, club booths trying to get sign-ups, and parents crying about their babies leaving the nest. Keith Christopher Chapman luckily avoided the latter by loading up his 1988 Chevy Camaro and driving himself to his new four-year home. It was a small car, which meant he didn’t pack much; just his clothes, bed sheets, and computer. After spending a good 10 minutes circling the dorm’s parking lot, he finally found a spot. Keith slung his backpack on, tucked a pillow under an arm, and made his way to his new residence.

            After meandering through the halls, and up three flights of stairs, he found room 305. The room was being held open with a cardboard box, and he could hear movement inside. Keith popped his head into the room and gave a hearty “Hey there!”

            “AHHH! Holy shit! Dude, you scared the hell out me,” said a guy that was setting up a computer on one of the two desks.

            “Sorry man, I didn’t mean to startle you. You must be…Steve?”

            “You would be correct. Steve Merritt. Which makes you…Keith?”

            “Also correct, but my friends call me KC,” he replied while extending a handshake.          

            “Sweet. I’m just Steve.” He chuckled.

Steve looked about 5’9, curly brownish blonde hair being held back with a bandana, a soul patch, tanned arms in a cutoff/sleeveless shirt, and ripped jeans.

            KC looked around the small space they had to share. Steve had already claimed the bed by the single window, and looked mostly unpacked. Clothes were already hanging in the closest, his bed was made, and the desk had a variety of snack food boxes on it.

            “Hey, do you smell something odd in here?” KC asked. “I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it’s faint.”

            “Hmmm, it might be my stuff,” replied Steve. “My family uses incense, a lot. I’m sure it’ll go away after a couple days of airing out, sorry ‘bout that.”

            “No worries, I don’t mind it, just noticed it. Any chance you could give me a hand carrying in some stuff? I don’t have much, but I would appreciate it.”

            “Yeah dude, no problem.”

            On their way to KC’s car, both guys exchanged a bit about their lives. Steve shared that he was born and raised in California, his parents are still together, and he has two older brothers. Steve learned that KC’s parents were divorced and both remarried, he was from Illinois, and an only child.

            “This is your car?!” asked Steve with a bit of excitement in his voice.

            “Haha, yeah. She’s old, but get me where I need to go,” answered KC as he unlocked the door. “I didn’t pack much stuff, I knew our space was going to be small.”

            “No worries man, we’ll make due. Hey, before we head back up, do you mind if I take a smoke break?”

            “Yeah sure. Um, I don’t mean to pry, but your profile said you were a non-smoker.”

            “I am. Well, um, I don’t smoke cigarettes…” said Steve as he pulled a little metal container from his pocket.”

            “Oh. Gotcha. Wow, not even through my first day here and I’m experiencing drug use. I mean, I didn’t mean, uh, shit.”

            “Haha no worries man. I used to be the same way, until a friend introduced me to it about 2 years ago. I had no idea all the benefits it provided, plus look at me, college guy now.”

            “You aren’t going to smoke in the dorms are you? It’s not allowed.”

            “Do I look like an idiot to you? Of course not, man. I’m completely respectful of that.”

            “Oh ok. Sorry, Steve, I’m big on rules. I like things to be black and white.”

            “No worries man, but just to let you know, there’s a lot of grey in the world,” replied Steve as he winked. “Would you like some?”

            “Um, not right now. To be honest, I’ve never tried that stuff before.”

            “Really?”

            “Really.”

            Steve opened the little metal tin, which looked similar to an Altoids container. There were a few, what appeared to look like handmade cigarettes. He took one out, snapped the tin shut, and pulled a lighter out of his other pocket. A couple seconds later it was lit, and KC could smell the pungent aroma. “Ah, that explains the aroma in the room,” he thought. Steve took a few drags, and in between puffs, told KC that his parents were hippies and it sort of just got passed along. After the joint was finished they gather up the couple of boxes KC had brought, and headed back up to their room.

            More “getting to know your roommate” conversations took place once they were all moved in. KC is majoring in Film, while Steve is getting his degree in Anthropology. Steve broke up with his high school girlfriend over the summer, and KC has never had long term relationship before. It was getting late and KC decided to take a quick shower before bed. His roommate was already passed out

            He slipped on his sandals, grabbed his shower caddy and a towel, and headed to the shared bathroom area. There were quite a few showers, and only a couple being used in the late hour. After choosing a stall furthest from the door, he walked inside and locked the door. The stalls had full length mirrors in them, a bench, and a towel hook. KC put his caddy on the floor of the shower and turned on the water. As he waited for the water to warm up he took of his clothes and gave himself a quick glance in the mirror. He thought himself to be attractive, but nothing compared to some other guys. Due to his father’s heritage, he was a pretty fuzzy guy. A large happy trail that extended upwards and spread out through his chest, shoulder and back hair, which he kept shaved to due teasing in high school, and a permanent five o’clock shadow. He didn’t have a six pack, but a rather average build on his 5’10” frame that he never complained about. Never one to check scales religiously, the last time he was on one it read 145.  It wasn’t until his junior year of high school did he realize he was gay, but was too afraid to come out back home. College has given him the ability to start fresh and be whomever he wants to be.

            After a long, hot shower KC was back in his room and in his new bed. It didn’t take very long before he was out and dreaming.

            The familiar chime of his phone’s alarm summoned KC out of his slumber. Thankfully classes didn’t start until Monday morning, and it was only Saturday. He looked over to Steve’s bed, but it was empty. The smell he noticed the day before was gone, or maybe he was just used to it already. He laid in bed for a few more minutes, and then the door to their room opened. Steve walked in with a towel around his waist and shower caddy in hand.

            “Morning bud!”

            “Hey man,” said KC groggily. “Does that tattoo on your shoulder really say, ‘Don’t worry be happy?’”

            “That is does. My brothers and I all got them when I turned 18.”

            “I’ve always thought tattoos were interesting, but never could decide on something I want permanently on my body for the rest of my life.”

            “Well, I think it’s a great motto to live by.”

            “You do realize how cliché that is, right?”

            “To each their own bud.”

            “Fair enough.”

            This was the first time KC had seen what Steve looked like underneath his hippie wear. He had a nice body, similar to KC’s but with much less hair, just a bit on his chest and happy trail. There was a faint outline of abs, his ‘Don’t Worry be Happy’ tattoo up near his left clavicle, and quite a few freckles on his shoulders.

            “Are you usually up this early?” asked KC.

            “Yeah, I like to get in a wake-n-bake before taking my morning jog.”

            “A wake-n-bake?”

            “A little smoke to start my day. It’s great for clearing my head, and helps me appreciate    my jog.”

            “I will never understand joggers.”

            “I only do it to help balance out the munchies, man.”

            “Is that really a thing?”

            “Care to find out?”

            “It’s way too early to find out. I need coffee and food.”

            “That didn’t sound like a no.”

            “It’s a maybe.”

            “Oh?”

            “I told myself that college is going to be the time I discover me. To experience life outside my old suburb, you know? Hell, I’m just going to come out and say it, I’m gay.”

            “That’s awesome man, my older brother is gay too. Congrats! Wait a minute, am I the first person you’ve ever told?”

            “Actually, you are.”

            “Well I’m honored to have the privilege, bro. Feel better saying it out loud?”

            “I sort of feel the same, but it’s nice to finally say it to someone.”

            “Tell you what, you get up and get dressed and I’ll treat you to a coming out coffee.”

            “That’s a thing?”

            “It is now!”

KC rolled out of bed, grabbed his toothbrush and paste, and headed to the bathroom. He felt like a weight had been lifted. It was his first time ever telling someone about his darkest secret.

            After they grabbed drinks and pastries at Starbucks, Steve had an idea.

            “Tell you what. It’s a Saturday, and we should go out tonight.”

            “Out where?” replied KC.

            “I’m going to call my brother Ben, and we’re going to hit up a club.”

            “A club? As in a gay club?”

            “Yup! It’ll be awesome! Have you ever been to a gay club before?”

            “I have not. There was only one back home, and it seemed really seedy.”

            “Well that sucks, but the right ones can be a lot of fun. Plus, there’s usually single ladies there hanging out with their besties.”

            “Hah, I knew there was an ulterior motive.”

            “Hey, there’s something in it for both of us.”

            “I suppose so. Now I just need to find something to wear.”

            Back in their dorm room, KC was feverishly going through his clothing. He had no idea what he was supposed to wear tonight. “Should I wear a collared shirt? A button down? Is a tie appropriate? Jeans? Khakis?” he thought to himself. He had stacks of clothing on his bed when Steve came in.

            “Reorganizing your closet?” asked Steve.

            “I’m freaking out. I have no clue what I’m supposed to wear tonight”

            “Buddy,” laughed Steve, “calm down. Most of the guys I’ve seen wear tight t-shirts and jeans. Hell, half of them aren't even wearing shirts.”

            “Really?”

            “Yeah man. Trust me. Here, put on this and those jeans,” Steve pointed to a plain, heather charcoal shirt. “Ben should be here in an hour.”

KC grabbed his caddy and headed to the bathroom to start getting ready. After a shower, he shaved, but didn’t have enough time to do his shoulders and back, but he figured it didn’t matter much anyway as he didn’t plan on being shirtless. He put on the outfit that Steve helped to pick out and thought he looked pretty good, although a bit basic. He looked at himself in the bathroom mirror. “You’ve got this,” he told himself.

            No sooner did the clock hit 9:00pm that there was a knock on their door. Steve got up to answer it. “Benny!” he said enthusiastically when he saw his big brother.

            “Hey, hey Steve-o!” Ben wasn’t anything that KC has pictured in his head. He was the same 5’9 as Steve, but a good eighty pounds heavier. His hair was a similar shade of brownish blonde, but cut shorter so you couldn't see the curls. He had a well-groomed beard, and an altogether put together look, but KC just couldn’t believe he was…fat.

            “Ben, this is my roommate KC. KC, this is Ben.”

            “Hi, nice to meet you,” KC said as he reached his hand out.

Ben took his hand and pulled him in close for a hug as he said, “Welcome to the family, man!” KC felt Ben’s belly press into his abdomen as they hugged.

            “Um, thanks?”

            “Steve was telling me this is your big gay coming out.”

            “Oh, yeah, sort of. I mean, I guess so.”

            “We’ve all been there man, some sooner than others, others later than others. The important part is that you are being you, and fuck everyone else that thinks differently.”

            KC smiled, “Thanks, Ben. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell myself the past couple of years. I’m happy I can finally do just that. Luckily enough I have an awesome roommate to teach me the ropes. He picked out my outfit tonight.”

            Ben chuckled, “Psh, I taught him everything he knows!”

            “Well, now that you guys have met, let’s say we go outside for a little pre-game,” Steve said as he grabbed a wooden box from under his bed.

            “You know me, I’m always down,” said his brother. “Are you cool KC?”

            “Cool?”

            “Benny, he’s not down with the verbiage.”

            “My bad, bud. What I meant was, do you partake as well?”

            KC answered, “No worries, I haven’t done it before, no.”

            “That’s cool. Well, you’re more than welcome to try it with us.”

            “We’ll see.”

Steve opened the box and laid out the contents on his bed. There was a little tray, a metal cylinder of some sort, a colorful glass object, and a white, plastic ziplock bag looking thing. KC watched Steve perform what felt like a ritual. Everything seemed to have a purpose or reason. Steve opened the white pouch and smelled its contents. “Damn that smells good,” he said.

            “What’s on the menu tonight?” asked his brother.

            “This is a really nice hybrid that my friend Mo hooked me up with. He said it’s good for gentle cerebral invigoration, mixed with some body relaxation. Blue Dream.”

            “Sounds fancy, like Whole Foods shit,” said Ben with a chuckle.

            “Mo just tries to make it sounds fancy,” replied Steve as he took out the dried green nugget, and began pulling it apart. He unscrewed the metal cylinder and started placing the plant matter into what looked like a metal maze inside the lid.

            “What is that?” asked KC.

            “This is a grinder. You take the bud pieces and place it in here. Then you put the top on, and it twist it back and forth. The little metal teeth inside grind up the weed, and it falls into the chamber underneath,” explained Steve. “You take the ground up weed, and then put it in a joint, or a pipe, or a bong, or whatever you’re going to smoke it out of.”

            “I see. And what are you guys using?”

            “KC meet Ollie,” said Steve as he held up the swirled blue and orange pipe.

            “You named it?”

            “When you form an intimate relationship with something, you usually give it a name. Your car has a name, right?”

            “Yeah, Cecile, but most people name their cars.”

            “Well, I named my pipe.”

            “Fair enough.”

            “Are you two just going to talk all night, or are we going to smoke, and head out for some fun?” asked Ben. “Also, can we get food? I’m starving.”

            “You’re always starving, bubba,” said Steve as he poked his brother’s belly.

            “Hah, you’re just jealous that I get more ass than you do with all of this,” he said as he rubbed his gut.

            “Yeah, keep dreaming Benny.”

Steve finished packing Ollie, grabbed a lighter, and stuffed his little metal tin in his front pocket. He sprayed some Febreze in the room, closed the window, and the three headed out.

            The campus had a large pond near the dorms and parking lot. The trio walked over to the picnic tables that were scattered about. As they walked, KC couldn’t help but notice how similar the brothers were, but at the same time so different physically. The boys sat down at the table, and Steve explained how the pipe worked.

            “So what you do is hold it like this,” showed Steve as he held it from the bottom. “Wrap your hand around the base and use your thumb to cover the hole on the side. Then you take the  lighter and light the top for just a second, as you inhale slowly. That pulls oxygen through the pot, burning it, and the smoke stores in the shaft. After you do that for a couple seconds, remove your thumb from the hole, and you inhale the smoke that’s stored. It might take a few tries to get the hang of it, but once you figure it out, it’s a no brainer. Watch us.” Steve followed his own steps, while KC watched. It all happened in a matter of a few seconds.

            “That all sounded complicated, but looked fairly easy,” said KC.

            “You’ll be a pro in no time,” replied Ben.

Steve exhaled the breathe he was holding, and a plume of smoke was released into the night air. “Just go easy, start small. You’re up bud.”

            KC took Ollie and held it exactly how Steve had. He put the pipe to his lips and could smell the smokiness lingering from the last pull. He got instantly nervous.

            “I don’t know you guys. I mean, is it safe? Addictive? What are the side effects?” asked KC.

            “Bud, it’s totally safe, and not addictive. It’s not like that at all. And the only side effects are a chill, good time. Promise.,” answered Steve while giving the scout’s honor. “If you’re nervous about the bowl, we could just have a joint instead.”

            “That’s just like a cigarette, right?”

            “Pretty much,” answered Ben.

            “I think that might be easier, if that’s ok.”

            “Sure bud. I’ll finish this off while you and Ben share one of these,” said Steve as he pulled the metal tin from his pocket. He flipped open the top and plucked one of the joints from inside. “Have you smoked a cigarette before?”

            “Once a couple years ago, but it didn’t do anything for me.”

            “Well hopefully this will,” replied Steve as he handed it to Ben.

Ben took the joint, put it in his mouth, and lit it. “Damn that tastes nice,” he said after letting out his hit. He took one more before handing it KC.

            KC took a drag from it, and held it in like he saw the boys do. A couple seconds late he let it out with a coughing attack. “Sorry!” he managed to get out between coughs.

            “No sorries needed man, we’ve all been there,” said Steve.

Ben came up and put his hand on KC’s shoulder, and offered him some water from the bottle he was carrying. KC took a sip, and his coughing fit started to slow down.

            “Thanks Ben.”

            “That’s what friends are for,” replied Ben with a wink.

After a couple more passes, everyone was finished.

            “So, how long does it take? How will I know if it’s working?” asked KC.

            “Give it a couple minutes. You’ll start to feel, for lack of a better word, funny,” answered Steve.

            “Yeah, you might feel really happy, or spacey, or hungry, man,” added Ben. “Speaking of, let’s go eat, I’m still starving!”

            “What did you have in mind?” asked Steve.

            “I’m thinking In-n-Out. KC what do you think?”

No response. Steve and Ben both turned their heads in unison. KC had a huge grin on his face.

            “Haha, I think it’s working bro,” said Steve. “KC, how are you feeling?”

            “Fuzzy? Foggy? Cloudy?”

            “Niiiice, you down for some In-n-Out?” asked Ben

            “Yeah, sure.”

            “Let’s roll! I’ll drive,” offered Ben.

            “Benny, you’re the worst driver ever, man,” chimed in Steve.

            “I will admit that I’m an aggressive driver, but time is ticking, and we want to get there quick.”

            “Fine.”

The three guys made their way to Ben’s car. He drove a MINI Cooper, but luckily it was the bigger, four-door model. They piled in with Steve as co-pilot, and KC sitting behind him.

            “KC, how you doing bud?” asked Steve

            “I’m greaaat. I should have tried this sooner.”

            “Well lucky for you, I’m your roommate.”

            “This is going to be the best year ever!” exclaimed KC.

            In-n-Out was only a 10-minute drive away. As co-pilot, Steve was in charge of the radio, which meant a really random playlist of 80’s, alternative, and pop. KC was having the time of his life in the back seat of Ben’s car. Singing along to songs, he never felt happier. He also felt hungry.

            “Steve-o, you weren’t kidding. I’m starving.”

            “We’re almost there bud. Told you about those munchies.”

            “You weren’t joking,” laughed KC.

The guys arrived at the burger joint, and decided to eat inside. KC ordered a number one, a double-double with fries and a coke. Steve ordered the same, and Ben order a number one with a vanilla shake instead of a drink, animal style fries, and an extra double-double.

            “Bro, no wonder…” said Steve as he poked Ben’s gut. KC giggled a little.

            “Dude, you fight the munchies, I embrace them!” said Ben as he rubbed his belly.

            “To each their own broski.”

After waiting for a few minutes, an employee called out their number. KC stayed at the table while the others went to grab the food.

            “Oh my god! This is the best burger ever!” exclaimed KC. “Like seriously, it’s amazing!”

            “Haha. Right? Food just tastes so much better when you’re high,” answered Ben. “Here try this,” as he handed KC his shake.

            “Holy shit, this too!”

            “Now you know why I keep snacks in our room,” said Steve.

A few minutes later the red plastic trays were empty.

            “That was soooo good,” sighed KC, “and the best part is that I don’t even feel full.”

            “Sorry bud, no time for seconds, we’ve got to go,” explained Steve.

            “Don’t worry man, we’ll grab something later,” winked Ben.

            “So where are we headed?” asked Steve.

            “Well, we a have couple options. It’s up to KC though, as it’s his night. KC, do you want to go out and dance and party, or something more low-key and tame?”

            “I’m down for whatever. Both sound good to me. What do you suggest?”

            “I think you’d have more fun at Stardust. They have a great dance floor,” said Steve.

            “You guys are in charge, man. Stardust it is,” said KC.

            Once the guys were back in the car, Steve’s familiar tin came out of his pocket. “Time for round two?” he asked.

            “Bro, do you even have to ask?”

            “Just checking, man. KC you in?”

            “Yes please!

            “Guess you’re a fan?” asked Steve.

            “So far, so good.”

The boys finished another joint after a couple rounds of puff, puff, pass. KC coughed a little less, while Steve showed off his smoke ring skills. Ben was singing along to one of the 80’s songs that had came on, “Jessie’s Girl.” KC felt like he was on cloud nine. It had only been a couple of days, and if this what college was like, he couldn’t wait for the next four years.

            The drive to Stardust only took about 15 minutes. KC wasn’t sure what he expected, but from the outside it was very nondescript. The club was a single story, white building with a sign over the entrance that read Stardust. One of the front doors was propped open and you could see a stand behind the entryway, with someone checking IDs. There was a small line of people waiting to get in, and KC noticed that a few of them were shirtless.

            “Um, why are they shirtless?” asked KC.

            “Saturdays are College Night. Eighteen and up, free cover if you’re shirtless,” answered Ben.

            “Oh, um, we don’t have to take off our shirts do we?”

            “Naw bud, we’ve got you,” said Steve has he took out a twenty-dollar bill from his pocket.

            “Whew. Sweet, thanks.”

            “I’ve seen you shirtless bud, why are you worried? It’s not like Benny over here,” said Steve as he playfully poked his brother’s gut again.

            “What do I have to be worried for? This is grade A beef here!” exclaimed Ben has he started taking off his shirt. “Five bucks is five bucks!”

And with that, he was shirtless. KC couldn’t help but stare, as Ben was far hairier than Steve. His belly, chest, shoulders, and back were covered in that same brownish blonde shade as his beard. You could tell that he had the same “Don’t worry be happy” tattoo under his right clavicle that Steve has, but it was hard to read with the hair. He also had a paw print on his left pec. Doughy would be the best word to describe Ben’s midsection. He wasn’t totally soft and flabby, but didn’t have that round ball gut look either. There were more than a couple inches hanging over the waistband of his jeans. Each step showed a small, visible jiggle in both his belly and love handles.

            “Is that a new tat bro?” asked Steve pointed to the paw print.

            “Yeah, I got it earlier this year at the bear bust in Provincetown.”

            “Sweetness!”

            “Thanks, glad you like it. I don’t really remember much from that night,” he chuckled.

            “Have you been working out?” teased Steve.

            “Does it look like I’ve been working out?” replied Ben as he flexed.

            “Nope.”

            “Then you are correct,” answered Ben.

Steve and Ben started walking towards the line and noticed that KC wasn’t following. They both turned around to see KC with a blank stare on his face.

            “Earth to KC, come in KC,” said Steve

            “You just going to stand out here all night, or you coming in?” asked Ben

            “Huh? Oh, sorry. Spaced out for a second. Coming.”

They walked into the club after a short wait, and handed their IDs and cash to the bouncer. Ben got a neon pink wristband to wear, while KC and Steve both received big Xs on the tops of the hands to show they were younger than twenty-one. The inside of Stardust was divided into different rooms, all lit with a different color, and a couple rooms were playing different genres of music. The purple room was hip hop, orange was 80s, and the biggest room, blue, was playing top 40. There were two bars inside, and one outside with the outdoor seating area. The crowd seemed to be mostly younger, judging by everyone’s hands, and shirtlessness. KC thought everyone looked like clones. Shirtless, little to no body hair, and faint outlines to full on six pack abs. He felt so out of place, like his high school locker room all over again. Ben walked over to one of the bars to order a drink.

            “These guys all look the same,” KC said to Steve.

            “What?”

            “These guys all look the same!” he said a little louder.

            “I suppose so. So what types of guys do you like?” asked Steve.

            “I don’t know. I’ve never really thought it.”

            “Bullshit, gay or straight, we’re all dudes. You’ve thought about it.”

            “I don’t know. I want someone that’s nice, kind, trustworthy. Those sorts of things.”

            “Those are qualities KC. I’m talking about physically. Do you like twinks, otters, pandas? What gets your mojo going?”

            KC looked like he was hearing a foreign language. “I have no clue what any of that means.”

            “Really? There’s this whole gay classification system, Ben taught it to me. Let’s see, twinks are basically all the guys here. Usually young, little body hair, slim builds. Then there’s otters which are the same thing, but hairy. After that you get cubs, which are husky otters. Ben would be considered a bear, but then there’s different types of bears: Muscle bears, panda bears, polar bears, etc.”

            “All of that sounds so confusing.”

            “What sounds confusing?” asked Ben with a beer in hand.

            “I was trying to explain all of the different gay classifications to KC.”

            “No wonder he’s confused then,” laughed Ben. “Look, KC, don’t get bogged down with all the boxes people put other people in. Just be yourself, and let everyone else figure themselves out.”

            “Thanks Ben.”

            “Anytime bud. So, are we dancing or what?”

            “Uh, I’m not very good,” answered a reluctant KC.

            “It’s not about being good, it’s about feeling the music and just having a good time,” said Ben. “Case in point, Steve,” as he chuckled.

            “Dude, I am a great dancer, thank you very much!”

            “Oh yeah? Prove it bro!”

            “Game on!” shouted Steve as he made his way to the dance floor.

Ben and KC stayed back as they watched Steve flail about in a somewhat rhythmic way.

            “Do you not enjoy dancing?” asked KC.

            “I do, but this place isn’t really my vibe,” answered Ben as he sipped his beer.

            “Oh, I’m sorry. Why are we here then?”

            “Tonight’s about you man, not me. And Steve thought you’d like this place.”

            “To be honest, tame and low key was where I wanted to go, but Steve was so excited, I thought here would be fine. What was the other place you had suggested?”

            “The Den. It’s a bear bar off Fireside Drive. Nothing fancy, just a couple pool tables, and a bar.”

            “What’s a bear bar?”

            “A bar… for bears,” said Ben with a smile.

            “I figured that much, but I mean, how is it different?”

            “Well, um, less guys like that,” Ben pointed to a guy on the dance floor. The guy he pointed to was shirtless, perfectly tanned, a faint six-pack, and skin glistening from sweat. He looked like a clone of everyone else. “And more guys like me,” said Ben has he lightly slapped his beer gut.

            “Oh, ok.”

            “You’re pretty confident about yourself. I wouldn’t have thought that.”

            “Oh really? Why’s that?”

            “Well, um, never mind…”

            “KC, it’s ok, you’re not going to offend me. I’m a big guy, and I enjoy my size.”

            “You do? I mean, I didn’t think you didn’t, but I, uh, crap, I don’t know what I mean.”

            “Do you know who RuPaul is?”

            “The drag queen?”

            “Yes.”

            “When I came out to my parents they were so supportive and loving, but I learned that some people on the gay community can be such assholes. They feel entitled to tell people that don’t look like them, or conform to their rules of attractiveness that they’re wrong. I’ve never understood why that is. Why we can’t let everyone just be happy for themselves, you know? Well, RuPaul has this tagline she uses all the time, ‘If you can’t love yourself, how in the world can you love someone else?’ I’ve tried to use that as my motto in life, and so far, it’s worked out pretty great.”

            “Oh, wow Ben, that’s pretty awesome.”

            “I like to think so too. May I ask, how did your parents react when you came out?”

            “They don’t know, Steve was the first person I’ve ever told.”

            “Well, you do you. You’ll tell them when the time is right.”

            “Maybe. I think my mom would be ok with it, but my dad and his new wife aren’t the most supportive people.”

            “Oh? I’m sorry to hear that KC.”

            “It’s ok, I’m an adult, and there’s not much they can do about it now.”

            “Well if you ever need to talk or anything, just let me know.”

            “Thanks Ben, I really appreciate that. Now enough of all this serious talk, when can eat again? I’m starving!”

            “Haha, the munches are hitting you hard bud!”

            “Is it always like this?”

            “Everyone reacts differently. What did you want to do?”

            “I know Steve’s having a blast out there,” said KC as he pointed to the dance floor, “but I kind of just want to grab a shake or something, and chill back at the dorm.”

            “Whatever you’d like to do bud. I’ll go grab Steve.”

            “Thanks Ben.”

Ben got up to go get his brother. As he walked to the dance floor, KC couldn't help but stare at Ben’s love handles slightly jiggling with each step. He wondered what it must feel like to be completely accepting of his body, and thought about his own insecurities about his body hair.

            A few moments later the boys were back in the car, and headed home. Ben stopped by the McDonald’s drive-thru, per KC’s request. Steve got a bottle of water while KC and Ben both got Oreo McFlurries. They reached the dorms, and it wasn’t quite midnight yet.

            “Thank you, guys, for a great night,” said KC.

            “Dude, the night isn’t over yet,” said Steve.

            “What’s that supposed to mean?”

            “I think it means Steve-o wants a nightcap,” chimed Ben.

            “I’m down for whatever,” said KC.

The guy walked over to the picnic tables that they had started the night at, and Steve sparked up another joint.

            “I would just like to say how awesome it is to have a great roommate like KC,” said Steve as he held up the joint to salute KC. He took a puff and passed it to his roommate.

            “Hey thanks man, and thank you for introducing me to the green stuff and to your brother. I think this is going to be a great year with great friendships.” Puff and passed.

            “Here’s to the best little brother a guy could ask for, and his awesome new roommate.”

After a couple rounds the joint was done.

            “Well guys, it’s been fun, but I’m headed home,” said Ben. “It was great meeting you KC, and I hope to see more of you.”

            “Likewise, man!”

Ben hugged Steve and KC goodbye.

            “Thanks for taking me out tonight, and sorry that we left early,” said KC as he and Steve walked back to their dorm.”

            “Anytime man, and don’t be sorry. It’s totally cool. Did you have a good time?”

            “I did! Ben said next time maybe we’ll go to The Den.”

            “Of course, he did. That’s his favorite hangout spot.”

            “You say that like you don’t like it.”

            “It’s ok, it’s just a bunch of guys shooting pool and drinking beer. They aren’t big on dancing. There’s a jukebox and that’s about it.”

            “Yeah, he said it was low key, which I thought sounded nice.”

            “Can I ask you a personal question,” asked Steve.

            “Anytime.”

            “Back at Stardust, you didn’t want to be shirtless, which is totally fine, but I’ve seen you shirtless, and you have a good body… Why the reluctance?”

            “To be completely honest, I have some self-conscious issues about myself.”

            “Really? May I ask what about? I mean, you’re a good-looking guy and all.”

            “Back in 9th grade I hit a growth spurt or something. My chest and stomach started getting really hairy. Then my back and shoulders the year after that. I heard a few people were calling me Bigfoot behind my back. That summer I started shaving it all off, which I still do today. I mean, I knew it was bound to happen, my dad’s a hairy guy too.”

            “Aww bud, I’m sorry to hear that. Sometimes people are so mean, especially high school guys.”

            “It was also my first time being around so many gay guys, and they were all hairless too. I just felt like I didn’t fit in.”

            “I feel like such a tool man. I’m so sorry.”

            “It’s okay Steve, not your fault. Besides, Ben gave me a great pep talk.”

            “That sounds like Ben. He’s a pretty great older brother like that. Hey, let’s head in, so I can beat the crap out of you in Call of Duty!” said Steve as he playfully punched KC in the arm.

            “Hah, you wish!”

A few minutes later and the roommates were inside firing up Steve’s Xbox.

            “Do you mind if I have some of your snacks?” asked KC.

            “Haha, anytime man, help yourself. Just go easy or you’re going to end up like Benny.”

            “What’s that supposed to mean?”

            “Really? You can’t tell me you didn’t notice how curvaceous he is?” said Steve as he did little air quotes.

            “Well yeah, but he doesn’t look bad.”

            “Benny used to be fit, probably more so than me.”

            “No way! Really?”

            “Sure was. He played baseball in high school. He never really liked exercising though, just did it because it was part of the sport. When he started college he basically said ‘fuck it’ one day.”

            “Damn, that’s impressive.”

            “Right? I’d like to give zero fucks one day.”

            “No, I meant playing baseball. That’s pretty awesome.”

            “Oh, yeah, he was a decent player.”

            “So enough about him. What did you think about trying pot for the first time?”

            “So far it’s been great. It’s like it enhances everything. Food, music, feelings. I can see why so many people dig it.”

            “I’m happy you’re digging it bud. If you want, tomorrow we can wake n bake and go for a jog. It’s one of my daily rituals that helps set me up for the day. Plus, it’ll help balance out all the crap we’ve eaten today.”

            “Yeah, I’m down.”

            “Cool.”

Ben and KC were up for another hour playing video games before calling it a night.

            At eight AM KC’s alarm clock went off. He thought was he going to be hungover, but he actually felt good, like he’d gotten a long night’s sleep. He looked over at Steve’s bed as he could hear him lightly snoring. KC got up and looked around the room. There were wrappers everywhere. Granola bars, Cheez-It crackers, and mini Snickers just name a few. Then he remembered that he and Steve were going to go for a run, and he immediately regretted it. He hated running, he hated people that talked about running, maybe he could get out of it. KC grabbed his shower caddy and headed to the dorm bathroom. The hot water felt great on his skin. He noticed some stubble on his shoulders and reached down to grab his razor. He thought about his conversation with Ben. “To hell with this,” he said to himself as he put the razor down.

            After his shower, KC walked back into the room and noticed that Steve was awake.

            “Morning man,” said a groggy Steve.

            “Morning,” replied KC.

            “Sleep well?”

            “Actually yeah. I thought I was going to be hungover, but I feel pretty good.”

            “And this is why I prefer weed to booze. No hangover. Looks like we did some damage last night.”

            “Yeah, I had no idea I could eat that much. You weren’t joking.”

            “Now you see why I run every morning.”

            “Yeah, about that…”

            “Oh no bro, you can’t back out now, you said yes!”

            “I know, but I really hate running.”

            “I’ll tell you what. I’ll let you off the hook this time, but you have to buy me coffee later.”

            “Deal!”

End of Part One.

Stay tuned for Part Two, Graduation Day!