This is a work of original fiction. Please do not use without the author's consent. For requests or comments (most welcome), please contact dan_102000@yahoo.com.au
This is simply part one, depending on feedback, I hope to continue. Let me know what you think.
It was an ordinary day. The sun rose and painted bright light across my closed eyelids. I knew with unwavering certainty, that any moment, the glaring auditory intrusion of my alarm clock would announce that I should rise and prepare for the day ahead.
A moment later, my prediction came true. A noise I've come to revile, burst from the tiny speaker on my bedside clock. With a practised movement, I slapped my right hand down and hit the button to disable it. Sighing, I opened my eyes and sat up. A full length mirror on the far wall reflected back an blurry image of a young man, with tousled brown hair, brown eyes and pale skin. Looking closer, I reassured myself that this young man wasn't at all unattractive, quite the opposite in fact. The sheet had fallen from his chest to reveal a toned if not quite muscular chest and I could see unmistakable bumps forming what could be termed "abs". I groped on my night stand until I found my glasses and placed them on my nose. Suddenly the image sharpened and I reflected on the fact that my reflection definitely looked better in a blurred state, or so my mind told me anyway.
I rose from the bed and padded my way in boxer shorts to my kitchen where I poured some cornflakes and switched on the tv. I munched my way through while listening to stories of impending doom as Wall Street "tumbled" and sharemarkets around the world struggled with a forthcoming global recession which now seemed certain.
I left the tv on as I walked back into my bedroom and looked at what I had laid out the night before. Standard slacks with light pinstripe, (one of several that hung in my wardrobe). I paired it with a white shirt and blue v-neck sweater. I shucked my boxers and looked at my reflection in the mirror once more. My eyes travelled down my body, noting the sparse hairs that began to grow just below my navel and how they thickened darkly just above the base of my cock. It was a point of pride that I made sure my grooming was impeccable, and as such, my dick was topped with more of a clipped shrub then a full out "bush".
I lingered for several moments, staring in the mirror, caressing my cock slowly. I glanced at the clock and almost jumped, somehow I was now running late. I dashed through my shower, brushed my teeth and styled my hair eyeing off the stubble that had formed on my jaw. I imagined it looked like the kind you might see a CK model sporting on the runway, and with that excuse in my mind, I stepped quickly out the door to catch the metro to work.
This is where the most extraordinary day of my life began.
Perhaps I should tell you a little about myself to start? My name is Zachary, (Zach for short really), I'm 24 and the best description you could give of me would be "non-descript". I mean that I am so painfully ordinary you wouldn't take a second look if I passed you in the street. My straight brown hair usually falls into my brown eyes. At 5'9", I'm neither really short, or really tall, and my medium build hints at potential, if I could ever bother to go to a gym. My skin is caucasian, but not so pale as to attract attention.
I've always worked in advertising. I was a graphic designer by trade, and at the moment working for a pretty prestigious magazine, working to develop ads. It's not a glamorous job, but it pays reasonably well and I like the people I work with. We go out and all get along great, primarily because we all suffer under the leadership of a monster. It's name is Wendy.
On this particular day I raced up the steps from the metro station, grabbing a quick coffee on the way to join the throng of workers in suits filing into one building nearby. I swiped my employee card and rode the lift to level 18. We were lucky enough to have an office with a view... I was trying to juggle my swipe card, satchel and take-away coffee when the elevator stopped and I charged out with my head down, thinking that maybe I could avoid disturbing the monster if there was no eye contact. Within three steps I walked into a wall headfirst.
I felt the hot splash of the latte on my hand as it burst from its lid and I rebounded back from both the hot liquid and the wall. I felt myself tilting backwards but then I stopped. As I belatedly wondered why I was not falling on my ass to complete this humiliation, I looked up. I shook the annoying lock of hair that was constantly in my eyes away and peered over my glasses at the most attractive man I have ever seen in my life.
At once I realised that I was experiencing everything in slow motion as I could see this guy's lips moving but I couldn't hear anything. A dull roar echoed in my ears as I realised that the "wall" I had hit head first was actually this man. This man, whose really short dark hair sat over slightly sun kissed skin. He peered at me with the bluest eyes I've ever seen and I imagined that I was blinded by the flashing white of his teeth.
Slowly my senses returned to me and I could hear a voice, one my mind had trained itself NEVER to ignore, NEVER to 'not hear'. It was a shrieking Wendy who was shoving in front of me. I stumbled and almost fell to the floor as I realised that the blue eyed man had been holding me up. Wendy was apologising profusely to a "Mr. Duncan" and patting wildly at what looked to me like an unbelievably expensive suit. I looked down to my own clothes and noted that I had escaped the worst of the latte and it had infact landed on this stranger.
I looked up again to see the stranger trying unsuccessfully to get past Wendy. He was staring at me intently and again I couldn't help being taken in by those eyes. Stepping back I could see that this man looked extremely important. His shirt was ruined by my latte, but still was clearly designer and his wrist watch indicated wealth. He was about 6'2" and clearly had a muscular build without being too bulky. His large hands gently tried to move Wendy out of the way. Behind him, three equally well presented staffers, clearly his entourage, were staring at me, trying not to laugh.
Finally I gathered my senses and straightened up. I managed to sling my satchel over my shoulder and looked around. Anyone on the floor who was in view had stood up from their desk to witness my humiliating encounter with this man.
I stepped forward feeling the blood creep up my face and met this man's eyes for the third time. Like an idiot, I stuttered for a moment before finally pushing out the words "I'm terribly sorry..." I didn't get another word in as Wendy whipped around in a move sure to be the envy of any military officer and fixed me with an icy stare.
"Not another word Zach. Please wait in my office. Now." Her stare indicated this was not a request and was accompanied by an even icier tone. I imagined that hell was now freezing over.
I looked again at "Mr. Duncan" and thought that I managed to convey my deepest apologies in that moment and then turned and walked to Wendy's office. Strangely I felt no anger in his gaze, just concern, maybe a glimmer of amusement and something else, something I couldn't place.
As I walked away I heard Wendy's voice offering mindless apologies as well as offering to cover dry cleaning expenses. A deep voice chuckled and waved these offers away. It must've been Mr. Duncan. I'd reached Wendy's office and sat down, trembling. I risked a glance over my shoulder and saw Mr. Duncan and his entourage entering the elevator. As he turned to face the door, our eyes connected again and a smile spread across his lips. The doors closed and the spell broke. I realised I'd been holding my breath and let it out in a whoosh. I heard a door close and the next moment Wendy was standing next to me, her breath reeking of stale coffee and cigarettes.
"Do you have any idea WHO that was?" Her voice trembled with anger. Her eyes darted between each of mine, searching for any weakness.
I hung my head, "I'm sorry, Wendy. I don't." I mumbled. "I realise it was my fault, please, I'll make sure it never happens again."
Wendy sighed heavily. Her body language screamed at me that I was pathetic. "Well, you're lucky that Mr. Duncan, who by the way, is our biggest client in terms of advertising space, wasn't too concerned with your idiotic coffee fountain display."
My face reddened even more. Our biggest client had come into the office, and I had doused him with hot coffee and virtually assaulted him physically? Could this day get any worse?
"Further more, you're lucky to have such an understanding and caring manager. Any one else would've had you out on your ass for something like this." I looked down at Wendy's ugly shoes, not having the confidence to look her in the eyes. She sighed again heavily and in a softer tone, "alright then, get out and get to work. He's coming back in later to see some of the proofs you're working on, just make sure you keep out of his way."
I carefully rotated and exited making sure I didn't bump into anyone or anything. I sat at my desk took off my coat and placed my satchel on the floor. I let out another deep breath. I turned around to look at the three other people who shared my work pod. Alanna, Samantha and Derrick were all looking at me with smiles and then they burst out laughing. The look on my face only spurred them on. "Come on Zach," choked Derrick, "you have to admit, now that you're not fired, it is kinda funny!". Reluctantly, a smile spread across my lips as well, after all, he was right; it kinda was.
The rest of the day progressed as one might expect. Alanna, Sam, Derrick and I all worked in Ad Development, and we frequently had deadlines to meet. Today we had a huge one, and we were getting ready to present. In times like this, one person would run out to get lunch and coffees for all four, as we mostly worked straight through our break. Since I had suffered most under Wendy this morning, the others graciously allowed me the breath of fresh air we all craved. I slid into my coat and went down to street level.
As I walked to the gourmet sandwich bar across the street, I couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching me. My head swivelled around non-stop as I tried to figure out where this feeling was coming from. I mentally scolded myself and resolved for about the tenth time that day to stop acting so pathetic. I ordered the sandwiches from the window on the street and savoured the fresh air. As the shop attendant handed me the sandwiches, I turned and again that day, collided with another human being. Luckily this time, I wasn't carrying potentially harmful liquids! I mentally kicked myself and once again shook the hair from my eyes before looking up for the second time that day, into the bluest eyes I'd ever seen.
FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! I was repeating this over and over in my mind like a mantra.
Why am I such an idiot? FUCK!
How could I be so stupid? FUCK!
All the while I stared stupidly into those captivating blue eyes, my mouth bumbling over inadequate excuses and apologies.
"I think we have to stop doing this," he interrupted me. "People will start to talk." His voice was pleasantly masculine and the smile that twitched on his lips clearly indicated he thought this was funny.
I however, was under no such illusion. "I'm extremely sorry Mr. Duncan, I usually am a bit more alert and I can't believe I've caused you such inconvenience twice today...."
"Actually, I think it's rather amusing, don't you?" He interjected. "And please, call me Andy."
I was flabbergasted, all my instincts were telling me that he was flirting. But that couldn't be right! Nevertheless, I responded "...I suppose so, thankyou Mr. Dunc, ah, I mean, Andy. Once again, I'm really sorry." I quickly darted around him and started to walk briskly back to the office, hoping he'd forget the whole thing.
"Hey, wait!" I felt him snatch my coat at my elbow and pull me around to face him. "Where are you going?" His eyes were twinkling and I couldn't shake the feeling there was something more going on here.
"Ah well, Mr. Andy, I mean, Andy, I work in Ad Development and, ah, my team and I are making sure we're ready to present the, ah, the proofs to you this... this afternoon. So, ah, I really have to get back, you see...." my voice trailed off as he just stood there smiling at me.
"Do you always do that?" he asked.
"Do what?" I hated when my voice became high pitched, but sometimes I couldn't help it.
"That," he laughed, "get all nervous and then indignant?" Clearly he thought this was all a good fun, he was chuckling that much.
"Ah, well.." I smiled sheepishly, "I suppose I try not to. It doesn't always work." I mumbled. Suddenly it dawned on me that it was pretty odd standing out here in the street, speaking to a man I barely knew, whom I had spilt a grande latte on earlier that morning. "Um, I see you've changed your shirt. Did you track me down for revenge?" I pretended to look around to see if he was hiding a coffee anywhere. My weak attempt at conversation sounded hollow, even to my ears.
He, however, took it in his stride. "Well, I always keep a few extra around, you know, in case of any nervous coffee drinkers, they're everywhere these days." He winked, "and no, I find there's very little profit in revenge, but sometimes there's opportunity. I'm heading back in to your office to see those proofs. I saw you crossing the street and thought I'd say hi." His easy manner and smile was unbelievably charming, and I think he was aware of that too.
My heart started beating a little faster, and I could feel my cock come to life in my trousers. I didn't have a lot of experience in reading signals, but surely I couldn't be mis-reading these, I thought. Suddenly, reality kicked in, so sharply it cut. I realised the truth; he couldn't possibly be interested in me. My eyes quickly swept over him as these thoughts processed at light speed. He's so attractive, obviously wealthy and could have anyone he wants. Why would he want to be friends with me? I took a step back, and then another. Andy's face slowly lost it's smile and he took a step towards me. "Um, well, Andy, nice to talk to you. Ah, I have to head back now.." I stammered. "I, ah, I guess I might see you around." And with that, I turned on my heel, Wendy style, and bolted for the building.
If I'd looked back, I would've seen Andy, standing on the curb, looking utterly confused and disappointed.
When I made it back to the office, Sam, Alanna and Derrick had finished the proofs and we all sat down in our pod and had lunch, since our preparation was completed. I relayed the incident that had happened only moments before to my three friends. I did it in a stage whisper lest the Monster overhear and rethink her decision on my employment. When I finished, Sam and Alanna were both looking at me in shock, whereas Derrick had a look of pity. Almost as one, they sighed and shared a look between them as if to say, "who's gonna take this one." Evidently it was Sam, as she cleared her throat and said as gently as possible, "Zach, honey. I think this Andy guy is interested in you."
I immediately reeled back in my chair and shook my head violently from side to side. "No, not possible! I mean, I don't even know if he's gay. He doesn't know that I'm gay! How could he possibly be interested in me".
Derrick then came out with his straight man's logic: "Look, Z, frankly, if I was him and you had ruined my $1000 designer shirt, I wouldn't be speakin' with ya at all. Trust me, he's interested."
"And how would you know?" I retorted. The idea that this man, Andy, was interested in me, simply wouldn't fit into my mode of thinking.
"Well, the other thing Zach darling," Alanna said, "is that he's standing talking to Wendy, but he can't stop looking at you."
I immediately prepared to swivel my head as quickly as possible towards Wendy's office, however realised at the last minute this might look ridiculous. The result was a half turn and a violent wrench that almost caused me whip lash. I could see out of the corner of my eye a tall man in a dark suit with short dark hair was talking to Wendy, but he was faced in my direction. Once again, my loyal friends thought this was the most hilarious thing on record. As one, they doubled over in their chairs crying with laughter and pounding their fists on their thighs. I fixed them all with frosty glares, trying my hardest to channel Wendy, but it just made them laugh all the harder.
At that moment, Wendy herself appeared and fixed us all with a frosty glare of her own which immediately silenced my work mates. I couldn't help feeling a small amount of admiration for Wendy, but only for a second. "Well, since the three of you clearly can't function enough to present your work to a client at the moment, I suppose I'll have to get coffee fountain boy in there". Wendy clearly was not happy at the decision.
Immediately Sam opened her mouth and I waited for her to rescue me from certain humiliation by offering to present to this client herself. Of course, I should've known better: "Wendy, I think that's a great decision. Zach's done almost all of the research and development for this particular campaign so it makes sense that he get the credit from the client today." Sam turned to me and smiled so widely that it could not possibly have been genuine.
I looked at Wendy and tried to conceal the panic that coursed through my veins. I didn't want to present, but I didn't want to give the Monster another excuse to think I was even more pathetic than I'd already demonstrated today. I stood up and followed Wendy to the conference room.
The room had already been set up with digital projectors to show our designs and proofs for what we'd worked on. I was particularly proud of this particular job. It was something we'd all worked hard on and I knew that it was some top quality stuff. I walked into the room and immediately was struck by Andy. He was sitting on one side of the table with his three associates. The way the light from the open window struck his eyes was majestic and I slowed as I walked in, suddenly unsure.
Behind me, Wendy sharply prodded me with her finger and I moved to the front. Wendy and another executive joined Andy and his entourage at the table. I began the presentation and addressed my comments to the room generally. Somehow I found, when I was presenting work I could be proud of, some of my clumsiness disappeared. Sure I stumbled a couple of times, but I didn't stutter and I was able to answer questions effectively. When it was over, Wendy and the other exec walked out with the three staffers, all shaking hands and smiling, while I gathered my materials. The door clicked shut and I could feel someone else in the room behind me.
I turned slowly, not wanting to precipitate a third incident and saw that Andy had kept a respectful distance. "Is it safe to approach?" he asked half seriously.
I nodded my consent and he closed the gap between us in two long strides. He was so close that I could feel the tickle of his breath on my nose. It smelled clean and fresh. I stared into his electric blue eyes and could feel my muscles weakening under his stare. My mind continually spun in loops, why me? not possible! he could have anyone... "Earlier, outside the sandwich bar, I almost thought that I had mis.. calculated." His lips twisted wryly for want of a better term. "Now I see that I was right all along." His whisper blew soft puffs of his breath against my eye lashes, tickling them.
Slowly, as if he was approaching a frightened deer (and in a way, I suppose he was), he lifted his hands and gently removed my glasses from my nose. "That's better," he breathed. He folded them and put them on the table next to me. I started to feel my body tremble. My lips quivered with anticipation. Ever so slowly, I saw him bend his neck, his eyes never leaving mine and slowly, oh so slowly, our lips touched in the sweetest of kisses.
As if he knew that this was all I would be able to handle at this stage, he pulled back smiling. He reached down, lifted my glasses from the table, unfolded them and placed them back on my nose, brushing the errant lock of hair from my eyes as he did so.
We looked deeply into eachother's eyes and then suddenly, he winked at me and was gone, the door to the conference room swinging shut behind him. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, I collapsed in the nearest chair almost hyper-ventilating, and smiled.
End of Part 1.
Please email me if you'd like to see the story continue. I will continue to write, if there's interest.
dan_102000@yahoo.com.au
Cheers, Dan.