Hope and Dreams part 3
#3 of h+D
Here we are, Part three. hope you enjoy, please comment etc etc.
"Come on.....just 3 more." Vincent encouraged, spotting for Issac.
The weight was enough according to the Coaches/instructors at the gym, so they went with 85 lbs. for his average benching. Issac was struggling, but persevered, pushing the bar up again, locking it there for a second, before slowly bringing it down.
"Two more man. Come on push it". The bear was calm about it, not shouting, but stern. Issac obeyed, pushing the bar up shakily; all of his thoughts in this single bar in front of him.
"One more!" Vincent said louder. "Last one! Go go go...!" The dog pushed, but try as he might he lowered it back down. 'come on....come on.......' He thought to himself, as if the thought alone would will the bar up despite his spent muscles.
"I can't." Issac huffed. He was upset the bar beat him (especially by one freakin' bench!!), but he knew his limits, and if he tried to lift it he would look pathetic as Vincent tried to save his neck from being crushed.
Vincent lifted the bar up to the holding position, freeing Issac from it's weight.
"So close." Issac said, drinking some water. His arms were sore and felt near non-existent.
"Ok Issac, I'll spot for Vincent. Hit the treadmill, or watch, your call." Their instructor Max said.
He was a tiger, muscled and tall with a shaggy orange and black pelt. He matched Vincent's height, but Vincent had much more bulk to his being, Max's body the perfect representation for gym goer. He was well muscled everywhere, but not overly so. He was going in the gym for health, but got the bulk that came with it naturally over years, not in a year of extreme's.
"I'll watch first." Issac said, wiping sweat from his brow. "You need water?" he asked the bear who moved his own weights into place.
"Umm sure. Thanks." Vincent seemed distracted, in the zone or something.
Issac got the half full and warm water bottles of water, bringing them to the side to fill them with fresh fluids.
Issac almost couldn't stand to watch the two. Almost. With a bit of guilt he walked back onto the main gym floor. They were both hot as hell, sweating, an even glistening on their fur, their shirtless bodies had distinct points of attraction. Vincent had his full, big fluffy bear bod, something protective and warm, but because it was Vincent it seemed gentle as well. Max had his in shape, damn 'I'm too sexy for my shirt' look. His muscles standing out, well defined in his thin fur, each curve, rock hard and chiseled time a Greek god........
Issac felt that pang of guilt, and anger at his luck. Vincent was.....his friend, and his only male one at that. Issac wanted desperately to tell Vincent he was hot, to give him a hug that wasn't loud and overly physical to show it was nothing sexual in the least. He wanted to tell him that Issac liked him in more ways then the average dude relationship. At the same time, he didn't want to scare Vincent off with a bomb like that. Risk to reward, it wasn't worth it.
Issac returned and stared in awe at Vincent. The bar, even if the ends were small, was full to weight capacity. The bear pushed the hulking weight slowly up and down with a bit of effort, the tiger encouraging him every step of the way.
"Six more, Six more!! You got this, just keep the bar steady.....".
It probably weighed double Issac's own weight, around 300 ish if Isaac had a guess. Every muscle in Vincent's arm pulsed with new clarity. Behind the fur were ripped to fuck muscles, not surprising, but still a thing to behold.
Vincent finished his last rep's with big huffs, then the tiger hoisted the bar up to holding position.
"Excellent man." The tiger said, patting the huffing bear on the shoulder, "Treadmill for a few, I'll get the machines started up."
Max left and Issac handed Vincent his water. "Damn man, how much weight was that?"
Vincent took a long drink." Thanks, umm it was 290. I'm finally getting to 300." he laughed. "That's the game here, keep pushing further." He huffed out an exaggerated breath.
Issac swayed, taking steps toward the room with treadmills and elipticals to get the point across about the change of venue.
"That's pretty close to double my weight man."
"It's alot, I never said it wasn't. I just want to go to 300. Getting there was my goal, I'm so close." He took another drink, stretching his arms. "Well, to the treadmills then." He said with much less enthusiasm.
On the treadmills, Issac was the best. Even Max said his endurance and pace would be a goal for him to match. Issac grinned, liking the attention, he was always that way though, what he lacked in size he made up for in nimble feet. He could outrun the track team at his old school, and was horribly bullied by them for it. "Quick Queer." And "Bolting from the closet." Among the crowd favorites. The coach had hounded him to join the team. At Venetry high he purposely slowed his mile run time in an attempt to avoid the attention.
"Damn your fast." Vincent muttered "Where does that talent come from?" he was speaking fast and breathy, the pace impossible to keep.
"I've always been this way," Issac said, not breaking a sweat, and talking casually. Max, being the instructor, decided to see how fast Issac could go, and for how long. He raised the speed, until Issac achieved a slight huff in his breath, then stood back whilst he and Vincent watched him until he stopped. 18 minutes later.
"Amazing." Max said. "Your speed and time go beyond the graphs we keep out here, check your pulse and I'll get a bigger graph."
It turned out Issac could easily compete at college level and probably beat most of them too.
"With the right training you could go all the way with this". Max said exitcitedly, giddiness looking funny on the buff feline.
"Thanks, but no thanks." Issac said casually, like he was turning down a free sample at the mall. "I don't want to."
It was bored sounding and definite, throwing the other two into confused stares.
"What? Why?" Vincent asked breaking the silence "You have this talent...."
"With your skill it wouldn't even be hard!". Max practically begged, excitement all but forcing him to interrupt the bear .
"Why do you care so much?". Issac asked a little confused himself. "I've decided and I don't want to. BELIEVE me....I've thought this through. And you two have to swear not to tell a soul."
They started walking to the lockers, Max still pouting.
"Why someone wouldn't want to work with such natural talent....." he grumbled. "You could get scholarships!! Good schools, set yourself up living large!"
"Just drop it Max." Vincent said when Issac didn't respond "We'll be in the sauna, and we can see ourselves out. See yah tomorrow."
Max sighed, saying goodbye and that Issac should get some more protein and calcium, recommending chocolate milk after workouts. *actually works*
The two waited for the men in the sauna to end their session before getting in. They said nothing until they got in and started it up. It got hot fast, and Issac had never been in a sauna, so it was all the more shocking.
"It helps you sweat out oils, and opens pores. As much as it sucks, a cold shower after helps the effects." Vincent said, sitting back with his towel wrapped around his waist like Issac's, enjoying the heat with closed eyes.
Isaac almost died. Vincent's heavenly body was barely encased in the fabric, forcing the bear to just let it lie on his waist.
The air got really thick, the smell of sweat was overpowering. Their fur was literally dripping, the glisten on Vincent turned into a torrent of perspiration. Time ended a little late in Isaac's tortured opinion, and a little early in his 'perverted' one. They broke for the showers in the silence of those who know death awaits them and have excepted it The air cool but refreshing.
They sat in the tiled room, looking at one another in agony for what was to come. Isaac maned up first, dropping the towel shyly, and turning the faucet quickly like a band-aid. Then the water hit Issac's reluctant body.
He actually yipped, making Vincent laugh, the cold water running through his fur like an electric current, the sensation similar on his skin.
"Your turn!" Issac exclaimed in embarrassment and annoyance. He let it soak over his body with a giant chill, the initial shock wearing down into a numbing pulse.
Vincent took a quick intake of breath and a "Oooooohhh god!!.........Oh god thats cold......" He saw issac's smile of revenge.
"Shut up it always such a fffffffreaking shock". He saved the air of a curse, catching himself.
"I'm not used to leaving this early, it's only like 7:30." Issac said when they had finished the ice shower and were getting dressed. "What do you do with your time?"
Vincent seemed distracted. "What do you mean? I head home, I'll give you a ride again. You need one right?"
Issac waited a moment before answering in a shiver. "Okay thanks".
Vincent noticed the dislike for the idea. "Or.......I could take you to my house. My mom makes a mean cookie." He teased. "After dinner of course."
Issac smiled to himself, loving the idea immediately, the more time with the bear the better, and that added to the less time at home the better equals a whole lot of better "That'd be great Vincent. Thanks."
Issac silently cursed Vincent behind his mask. His mother made cookies and cared. Issac's mother made him hide booze from the cops, and occasionally, when the cops came she would make him a half-assed dinner. She normally burnt it but it gave her a reason to tell the officer to leave, she had to 'feed her baby'.
At the same time, he wanted to see a functional family at work.
Just once.
The car ride to Vincent's had to detour via Issac's. He didn't want to show up at Vincent's house in sweats and a white used tee-shirt. His mom had a friend over. Lucy had been trying for the better part of two years to get her to stop drinking, but still hadn't succeeded.
Issac changed in his room, which was a small space with a bed, computer and a dresser. The window faced a dying backyard lawn, and the shed they called the garage. Broken and decaying in its small, fenced in space.
The remaining ride to Vincent's was awkward, they were quiet, occasionally talking about school or something until they hit a red light.
"Umm, can I ask about the police yesterday?" Vincent probed shyly. "Or is that......I don't want to imp..
"You already did." Issac said calmly, ending the flustered bears rambling. "My mother is an alcoholic, she gets busted all the time for stuff she can't remember. It doesn't bother me to talk about it though." Issac assured him half heartedly.
Vincent looked shocked, but he knew not to dwell too long.
"Is everything Ok at home?".
Issac made a confused face. "Umm. No." He laughed. "My moms a drunk. I'm used to it though, so don't worry." He replied weakly.
Vincent stopped, pulling into his driveway "Here we are, 'casa del Cowell'."
Issac stared at the amazing house before him, it was in fine browned brick, had a double garage, one of the doors opening electronically for them. The actual house itself had a large glass windowed front, and large wooden supports. Isaac wouldn't call it a mansion of course, but 'house' seemed to be an insult.
"You live here?" Issac asked in awe.
Vincent grinned, pulling and shutting the garage with a button on his car.
"Yep, it's pretty nice right?. Not to brag."
"Ha......you have the right to."
The garage opened to a hallway where they took off their shoes, and Vincent yelled for his mother. Another voice returned, inviting them in. "I brought my friend Issac." He added.
A bear around Issac's size, with tan fur appeared in the doorway at the end of the hall. "Hi sweety. Nice to meet you." She said with a big smile.
Passing through the hallway, the room opened into a kitchen on the left and a living room to the right. The living room was tall, with a staircase leading up to the second floor. The kitchen was well equipped with a centre island and electric stove top, as well as a counter space for eating with chairs.
Issac tried not to be obviously in awe as he greeted, who he assumed was Vincent's mother.
"This is my Mom." Vincent proved. "Mom this is Issac."
"Tough day at the gym boys?. I have dinner ready, then you can hang out downstairs".
She was sweet and smiley, very welcoming.......very motherly. "How long can you stay?".
"Umm, as long as you'll have me." Issac shrugged. "I don't want to be a burden."
Dinner was delicious. Fish, Sweet potatoes and green beans. All were seasoned well, washed down with milk. The rest of his family had already eaten, so the two sat at the counter feasting. They both enjoyed the food to much to talk until they were done.
"So let me give you a tour." Vincent insisted, putting the dishes in the sink.
They went up the stairs in the living room. The room had a crystal chandelier for Christ sake!!!!. The dark wood was carpeted, with the furniture in a dark leather. It screamed lush and comfy
"The living room." Vincent joked.
At the top of the stairs were a few rooms, Vincent walked down the line.
"My room, my little brothers Reis and Andy's room. My sister Kathy's room, the bathroom and my parents room". He walked back to the first door with Issac following.
The room was large, with a desk, queen sized bed, lounge chair, bookshelf, guitar, and dresser. The walls were white with some art hung above the bed, and a large window beside it let in extra light.
"Wow." Issac said, watching Vincent open his computer at the desk.
"One sec." The bear said, "just checking my Pawbook. I'll add you."
Issac nodded, spinning pointlessly around. Then Vincent said he was done, and rummaged through some drawers. Issac almost died when he changed his shirt. The first one was very long and comfy, but not very complimentary to Vincent's muscular body. He showed Issac his muscular back as his arms came up, his shoulders rippling with definition. Then as he threw the shirt in the laundry bin, he gave him (unintentionally) a front view. Issac watched the muscles move, blushing beneath his fur as each one stood out.
The new shirt was very disappointing, just like the original, but Issac's uneasiness about telling Vincent how he felt, prevented him from saying a thing. What Isaac wouldn't give to just.......touch......nothing more. He would sell his soul to hold that body. And for it to hold in return. Ok if it was his SOUL, he would also want a kiss. One sweet, meaningful kiss from those soft lips.....
But reality beconed. Like hell Mr. Perfect was gay. The fact that he was talking to Isaac was a miracle. He didn't want to hope too much. He might actually expect something to happen.
Once he was done changing, The bear gave a quick, pointless tour of the room, neatly pointing out the obvious bookshelf, desk and comfy chair.
"And on to the basement.....No the backyard first I think".
Off the livingroom was a sunroom, which lead out to a patio overlooking a pool and hot tub. They were lit with fancy lights and filled with water toys. Surrounding the pool and hot tub was a black metal fence with a gate, behind which was a play set with a slide and three swings.
Again, all Issac could manage was a "Wow, so nice. And here I am without a suit."
"Next time then," Vincent said, "But on to the basement!".
Returning inside, Vincent opened a wooden door Issac hadn't seen. It led below to a minibar, pool table, large flat screen tv, two more comfy chairs, a game station, and a fridge for cold drinks that weren't alcoholic, like pop and iced tea. That OTHER fridge had a lock on it, mocking their youth.
The two played pool, (well they tried anyway), then sat back and played some videogames.
"When did you do your homework?" Issac asked out of nowhere. "After practice?"
The bear didn't respond straight away, but managed a vague. "Kinda. It's almost done, just a few pages to read in a book before bed."
Issac nodded, not really thinking of anything else to say. It was so weird, they didn't have anything to talk about, but somehow conversation flowed out of nothing randomly, and soon they were laughing and teasing and fighting then laughing again.
They were quiet after that until about 9.30pm, when Vincent had to drive Issac home. They got ready and Issac opened the door to the garage as two little bear cubs plowed into him, nearly knocking him on his butt. Then a much larger, scarier looking bear looked down at him. He was about Vincent's size, but seemed to have more fat then muscle, his eyes producing a strange mix between utter shock, and a glare..
"Hey dad, this is my friend Issac." Vincent said. "Issac, my dad."
Mr. Cowell offered a mighty paw, the strange expression leaving in place of its kinder sibling..
"Nice to meet you Issac, are you on the football team?"
Issac laughed a little. "No sir, I'd break like a toothpick. Nice to meet you."
Issac noticed a certain enthusiasm leave Vincent's dads eyes when he said No to the team. He smiled, saying goodbye, but seemed like a bear on a mission, busy. Or maybe even just bored.
The two left, and headed towards Issac's.
"Your dad didn't seem to like me". Issac pointed out in the car. "He was so intense after his initial 'What the Fuck?!'."
Vincent shrugged. "He's that way with everyone, if its not football, he doesn't love it 100%. It's like it needs to be there for him to find what, or whoever, interesting. Don't let it bug you."
"I see where you get your enthusiasm and support from, your family is great." Issac said honestly, dreading his return trip home.
Vincent thanked Issac, planning the same thing tomorrow, and dropping him off again. "No flashing lights this time." Vincent pointed out with a weak and embarrassed smile, angry at himself for saying it.
Issac smiled weakly. "Yep, thanks. Goodnight".
Issac's car to a happy world drove away again, leaving him deserted on this island he called home-life. He went inside, slipping a bottle of whisky from his mothers paw, confirmed Vincent as a Pawbook friend, and fell asleep. Happy, to have seen Vincent's life, but envious of it.