Chapter 1: New Home, New Love
I suppose I should put a disclaimer in here... Umm... Don't read this if you're offended by M/M relationships or can't legally read it... Although this story has no Yiff in it, but... Whatever...
*****
The train moved swiftly over the tracks as it traveled south. Mark heaved a sigh as he looked out the window, his head in his hand, elbow resting on the sill. Back home, the college he was attending had burned down due to a string of arsons in the area.
Now, he was headed for a new city, and a new college. Mark wondered what he was going to do. He had no place to stay in the new city, but he had little money. His parents had kicked him out of the house after they had gotten into a fight about his schooling and what college he would go to after his burned down.
Mark was a lion. Even though he had just turned twenty, and had only been lifting weights since he was sixteen, he had some good muscle size. He was brown with a dark brown mane, which looked all the darker compared to his light blue eyes.
Mark watched the scenery pass by as he sat in thought. He was terribly shy by nature, so he wasn't sure that he'd make friends. Back home, he had none because he was so quiet. Heaving a heavy sigh, he stared out the window, the station looming ahead.
As the train came to a stop, Mark gathered his luggage. Opening the door to his compartment, he quickly left, making a quick pace down the aisle. Not paying enough attention, he bumped into a vixen, roughly 19 or 20. He blushed and apologized quickly. The fox giggled and said it was okay Mark nodded and moved on, embarrassed that he ran into such a pretty woman.
Walking off the train, he breathed in. The smell of fresh air was very welcome after hours on the train. He looked at the clock that was on the station's wall. He had a full day before he had to go to school. He had planned this out so he'd be able to find a place to stay.
"That reminds me, I better start looking around and getting used to the town," he said to himself.
He asked at the information booth about inns in the area, and the clerk helped him choose a cheap one that was still nice and not infested with anything.
Mark hailed a cab outside the station. After he got in, the driver, a fox with what seemed to be an athletic physique and a heavy New York accent, asked, "Where to?"
Mark gave him the name off the inn and the driver sped off.
"So, ya new in town?" the fox asked.
"Y-Yes," said Mark quietly.
"Ah, you'll like it here. Very nice place. Lots of furs," the driver said, trying to be friendly.
"Th-Thanks," Mark said.
The taxi arrived at the hotel and Mark got out.
He was about to pay the driver when the fox said, "Ah, don't worry. It's on the house." Mark smiled and thanked him. The driver nodded and sped off.
Mark turned to the inn and walked inside, carrying his suitcases. The interior was modest and homely. Very calming and down-to-earth. Walking to the front desk, he set his bags down and spoke to the desk clerk.
"I'd like a room, please," he said.
"Of course," came the voice of the clerk, a handsome looking wolf, "How long would you like the room?"
"Could... Could I pay by night? I'm not sure how long it will be until I find a permanent place to stay," Mark said.
"New here, huh?" the clerk asked, smiling, "Well okay, then. You can pay nightly. Just let me know by 10am tomorrow and every day if you need another night." Mark smiled and paid for his room, the clerk handing him a key.
Mark hurried to his room, fumbling a little with the key. When he opened it, he smiled. The interior was cozy, a nice double bed with clean, crisp bedding. A few pictures of flowers on the walls made the room look even more welcoming. He walked in, closing the door behind him.
He set his suitcases in the corner and walked over to the telephone. Finding the phonebook right next to it, he opened it up and flipped through the pages. He found the number for the taxi service and called them up. The woman on the other end said that there was a taxi in the area that would be around to pick him up in ten minutes. Mark thanked the woman and hung up.
For the next seven minutes, Mark thought about what he'd go see. He'd have to see what his new college looked like, maybe what places to eat there were... And, of course, he'd have to see if there were any decent gyms around.
Mark decided he'd wait outside for the taxi, so he got up from where he had sat on the bed, grabbed his gym back that he had brought with him, and walked to the door. The taxi was just pulling up.
As Mark got into the taxi, he heard a familiar New York accent say, "Well, hello again!"
Mark looked up and saw that it was the same fox that had given him a ride before. "Hello," Mark said, a smile coming to his face.
"So, where to?" asked the fox.
"Well, could you show me around town. Like, good places to eat, the college, any good gyms..." Mark asked.
"Well, there's one gym in town that I know is the best. I go to it, myself," the fox said as he started to drive.
"By the way, my name is Sam," the fox said while they waited at a stoplight.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Mark," said Mark.
"So, you enrolled in the college?" asked Sam.
Mark was a little quieter, "Yes... I'll be having my first class tomorrow."
Sam gave a well-meant laugh, "Well maybe I'll see you around. I go there, too. I'm a Junior, what about you?"
"Sophomore," replied Mark.
They talked for a while as Sam showed Mark around the town. The last stop that they made was the gym. Mark got ready to pay, and again Sam told him it was on the house, "My way of saying welcome to town." Mark thanked him and went inside, carrying his bag with him as the taxi drove off.
The gym was amazing. Weights and machines everywhere, with mirrors and television screens scattered about. He walked over to what looked like the office and knocked on the door. There was a Dalmatian inside who set him up and took care of his membership. Receiving his locker combination, he went into the locker room.
His locker was in the rear, a little ways past the showers. He opened his locker and took his shirt and pants off, stuffing them into the locker. Opening his bag, he extracted some long gym shorts and a very large T-shirt that was loose on his body. Mark pulled these on and stuffed his bag into the locker, slamming it shut.
As he was leaving the locker room, a large tiger came in. The tiger was extremely muscular, everything in great proportion. Mark stared a little too long and the tiger noticed him.
"Hey, never seen your face around here, you new in town?" the tiger asked.
"Wha? Oh, yes... I am," said Mark.
The tiger gave a great laugh, "I thought so." He noticed Mark's eyes hadn't left him. "Nice, huh?" the tiger asked, "Took me years, but it was worth it."
Mark apologized profusely, "I'm so sorry... I usually don't look at other guys like that." He was feeling miserable now.
"Hey, it's okay. I built myself so that people would stare," laughed the tiger, giving a very handsome smile. The tiger noticed that Mark still seemed to be beating himself up about looking at him. "Hey, how about we help each other out with our workouts? Lemme get changed quick," the tiger said.
"O-Okay," Mark said, looking up a little. The tiger gave Mark a handsome smile before heading to the back of the gym.
A minute or so later, the tiger returned, bare-chested and wearing some very short gym shorts that accentuated a large package within. Mark prevented himself from staring as he and the tiger went into the main part of the gym.
"My name's Rick, by the way," said the tiger.
"I'm Mark," said Mark.
Their first stop was at the bench for some presses and flies. Rick let Mark go first. Mark loaded a few weights onto the bar and laid down under it. Rick raised an eyebrow, unsure that Mark would be able to lift such weight.
Gripping the bar tightly, Mark lowered it slowly. Keeping an even pace, he pumped out 8 reps before starting to falter. Gritting his teeth, he pushed out another two. Rick was about to help him, when Mark pushed out another rep. Practically screaming, Mark pumped out one last rep before he clanged the bar against its rest.
Mark sat up, breathing heavily from the work. "Wow, nice job," said Rick, resting a hand on Mark's shoulder.
"Th...Thanks," Mark panted.
"You take a breather, it's my turn," Rick said, already loading more weights onto the bar.
Getting up, Mark walked over behind the bar to spot Rick, whom already had his back on the bench and was ready to go. Rick gripped the bar in his hands, and began.
Mark watched in amazement as Rick's chest worked, contracting and relaxing, contracting and relaxing. It was almost hypnotic. After 12 reps, Rick set the bar against the rests and sat up.
"Wow, you're strong," said Mark, unable to think of anything else to say.
"Heh, thanks," said Rick.
"I... your chest was really working," said Mark, trying to not sound stupid.
Rick laughed, "Well, I do like to show off. What puzzles me is why you wear
such baggy clothes. You must have a good physique. Why not show it off?"
Mark blushed, "I... Oh, I don't know... I never thought I looked that good."
"Nonsense," said Rick, "You probably look great. Take your shirt off and show me."
Mark, unsure why, did what he was told.
"See," said Rick, "You look great!"
Mark blushed, then began taking the weights off for his second set. They switched places, and Mark began more chest presses. Rick occasionally gave a word of encouragement as Mark started to falter by the sixth rep. By the tenth rep, Mark was grunting, trying to push the bar up.
Giving a shout, he pushed the bar up for the twelfth time, hitting it against the rests with a loud clang.
Rick smiled, "That was great!" Mark smiled, too, and the two of them continued their workout.
They talked as they lifted. After a good set of bicep curls, Rick had brought up the subject of age.
"How old are ya?"
"I just turned 20 a few weeks ago... What about you?"
Rick answered while beginning his next set of bicep curls, "Me? I'm 30."
"Wow," Mark said, beginning his second set, "How... How long have you been lifting?"
"Since I was five," said Rick, "What about you? You look like you've been going at it for some time."
Mark blushed a little, "I've been lifting since I was sixteen."
"Only four years?" exclaimed Rick, "Dang, you've done some awesome work for only four years."
Mark smiled, "Thanks. It's hard sometimes what with college and all."
"Yeah, I can imagine," said Rick, "Speaking of which, where are you staying?"
"I... I don't have a place yet," said Mark.
Rick after finishing his last set with a loud grunt, smiled and suggested, "Then why don't you stay with me? My house is big enough, plus it's not too far away from the college."
Mark smiled, "Thanks. I think I will."
About four hours after beginning, Mark and Rick headed back to the locker room, soaked in sweat. Mark was in more pain from Rick, as Rick had really pushed Mark to his limits and beyond. It was obvious, too. Mark's muscles were maxed out, the veins a lot more noticeable than before. He could barely walk, and was being supported by Rick.
"Where's your locker?" Rick asked.
"In... back," Mark managed to pant out.
They walked to the back and Mark said, "This is it."
"No way! This is it? My locker's right next to yours!" Rick exclaimed.
"Heh, wow," Mark said.
They both opened their lockers and stripped for the shower, Mark starting to stand on his own, even though it was still hard for him. Mark used up a great deal of willpower to not watch Rick undress, not wanting to blush anymore or say anything else stupid.
They stepped into the showers together, turning the hot water on. The hot water was nice against their fur. Mark was becoming very relaxed, the steam from the showers hanging in the air. He then turned around and saw Rick.
The water cascaded down Rick's massive body, almost hypnotically. Mark couldn't take his eyes away. He felt something and looked down. His tool was out of its sheath and rock hard.
Mark turned around quickly, hoping Rick hadn't seen. Blushing hard, he started to leave until he felt a hand on his shoulder.
He heard Rick's voice whisper, "It's okay."
Mark turned around and gasped. Rick's tool was unsheathed and throbbing. Mark was about to turn back around when Rick pulled him close and gave him a long kiss.
Mark didn't know what to think. He could feel Rick's arms wrap around his back, holding him close, and he did the same.
When the kiss finally broke, Rick asked, "Mark, do you love me?"
Mark stuttered, "I... Yes. Yes, I love you, Rick."
And it was true. Mark had fallen in love with Rick, even though they had only known each other for a matter of hours.
Rick smiled. "I love you, too," he whispered.
Mark smiled for a moment, but the smile quickly faded into a frown. He pulled out of Rick's arms and ran out of the shower, leaving Rick standing there, wondering what he had done.
As Mark ran out of the shower, he ran into a wolf that had been walking in from the gym. The wolf was large, though smaller than Rick. It looked down at Mark and saw the thing between his legs.
"You been jacking off in there?" the wolf asked. Mark shook his head, hoping that the wolf wouldn't hurt him.
"He was with me," Rick said, stepping out of the shower.
The wolf looked over, "Hey, Rick! He was with you? Dude, I never pictured you with another fur. You always seemed like the single type to me."
Rick chuckled, "Well, Ted. I've fallen in love with Mark, here."
He bent down and helped Mark to his feet. Rick looked into Mark's eyes, which were full of sadness.
"Why did you run?" he asked.
Mark was quiet, his reply barely audible, "I... I've never..."
He couldn't bring himself to say that he was afraid of loving another man, but somehow Rick knew what he was thinking.
Rick spoke smoothly, his voice full of comfort, "Mark, it's okay. So what if we're both guys? What matters is I love you, and you love me..."
Mark looked up, his eyes wet with tears.
Ted grinned, "Very touching... But can I please get to the shower?"
Rick grinned back, "Sure, we're gonna pick up Mark's things and head home. Is that alright with you, Mark?" Mark nodded, beginning to smile.
The two walked back to their lockers and got changed and Ted followed, his locker three to the right of Rick's.
As Mark was pulling his shirt on, Ted leaned in and whispered in Rick's ear, "You've certainly found a hot fur. And a lion, no less. Don't mess this up."
"Don't worry, I don't wanna lose him. I love him," whispered Rick back.
Ted was a little shocked, "You do? I thought you were joking..."
"No, I really love him. He's different than those other furs. He's innocent... Kind... And he loves me," Rick said.
Ted grinned, "Then I wish you all the happiness in the world. And if you mess things up, can I have him?"
Rick laughed quietly, "If I mess up, he's all yours. But don't hold your breath."
"I won't," said Ted, who ended the conversation as Mark finally pulled his shirt on.
"Well, see ya both later sometime!" Ted called as he stepped into the shower.
"See ya!" Rick returned, "Aren't you gonna say goodbye, Mark?"
Mark hesitated a bit before yelling to Ted, "Goodbye! It was nice meeting you!"
"Likewise," came Ted's voice. Mark smiled, glad he had made some new friends in this town.
As Mark and Rick were leaving the gym, Mark asked, "So, where's your car?"
"Car?" laughed Rick, "I drive a Yukon."
"Wow, a big auto for a big fur," Mark said playfully. Rick shared a laugh with Mark before walking up to a big black Yukon and unlocking it.
"Hop in," he said.
Mark got in the passenger's side, throwing his bag over the back of the seat. Rick slid inside and threw his bag in the same manner, landing it on top of Mark's bag.
He closed his door and started up the Yukon. After both of them were buckled in, he threw it into reverse and backed out. Switching drives, he drove off, leaving the gym behind.
"Could we pick up my stuff before we go you your house? It's at an inn," Mark requested.
Rick replied, "Sure, which inn?" Mark gave him the name and they sped off in the direction of the inn.
When they had arrived, Mark told Rick that he would only be a few minutes. He ran inside and saw that the wolf working the desk was still there.
"Hello, sir," the wolf greeted him.
"Hello," returned Mark, "I won't be needing the room anymore. Found myself a place to stay."
"Wonderful, I'm glad to hear it. I'm afraid I won't be able to refund your money, though," said the clerk.
"That's alright, just had to let you know so you could let someone else use the room. I'm here to get my bags," Mark said.
The clerk laughed, "Well, that's very nice, but you have the room until tomorrow. Rules are rules, you know."
"Wow, thanks," said Mark, "But I won't be needing it... I guess the maids get a room off."
The wolf and the lion both shared a laugh before Mark left, headed for his room. He opened the door and heard someone behind him. Turning, he saw that Rick was there.
"I'm here to help," he said.
"Thanks, Rick," said Mark, "Just grab a suitcase or two." Rick smiled and they both grabbed the suitcases.
After putting the suitcases in the back seat, Mark headed back and returned his room key, knowing he wouldn't be needing it. When he got back, Rick already had the Yukon started and was ready to take off. Mark hopped in and buckled up.
"To your place, then?" he asked.
Rick smiled, "Yup. I just know you're gonna like it."
"I'm sure I'll love it," Mark said as Rick sped out of the driveway.
As Rick drove along, Mark stared out the window much as he had done on the train. Again he was in deep thought. He had never felt this way about another fur before, let alone a man. He was unsure of the idea, but he loved Rick.
Gazing over, he watched Rick drive. A weird feeling gripped at his heart. No doubt this was love. How or why it happened was a mystery, but it was love.
Rick noticed Mark watching him and smiled, flexing his triceps a little. He was wearing a black tank-top so the muscles weren't obscured. Mark smiled, his heart skipping a beat. Rick smiled as well, turning his attention back to the road.
It was a minute or two later when Rick announced, "We're here!"
They had pulled into the driveway of an enormous house, three or four stories high and surrounded by a lush lawn.
"Woah, this is your house?" asked Mark.
Rick laughed as the Yukon came to the garage, "Yup. Live here alone. Ted lives next door, but he comes over here a lot. Has his own key to the place... Which reminds me, I guess I'll have to get you a key as well. We'll go get one made tomorrow."
"Wow, thanks," said Mark.
The Yukon pulled into the large garage, the door closing behind it. Mark and Rick got out and grabbed Mark's suitcases and their respective workout bags.
As soon as Mark stepped inside, he whistled.
"Damn, Rick... Are you rich or something?" Mark asked.
Rick laughed, "No, I'm not rich, but I'm comfortable."
Rick asked Mark if he wanted an orientation of the house, and Mark was quick to agree.
As they walked along, Mark commented, "So, I suppose I'll be staying in the guest bedroom."
Rick looked at Mark, "I was hoping we could share a room."
Mark smiled, "That works. You have two beds in your room?"
Rick gave a devilish grin, "Nope." Mark blushed under his fur.
Chuckling, Rick put an arm around Mark and pulled him close. "So, you think you'll enjoy living here, Mark?" he asked.
"As long as I'm with you, I could care less where we live," said Mark.
"Aww, that's so sweet. My cute lion," Rick said, smiling and kissing Mark lovingly.
Mark almost melted at the feel of Rick's kiss, a flood of emotion surging through him. As the kiss ended, Mark looked into Rick's eyes.
"I... I love you, Rick... I love you so much!" Mark cried, putting his head on his love's massive chest.
"Oh, Mark... I love you, too... That's why I have a question for you," Rick said gently, love in his rich, handsome voice.
"Wh...What is it?" Mark asked, looking into the tiger's eyes.
Rick smiled, "Will you be my boyfriend?"
Mark, feeling happier than he ever, nodded, sharing in Rick's smile. Rick pulled Mark close, and their lips met as the two muscle cats shared their first kiss as boyfriends.
*****
Well, that was my first story... Lemme know what ya think! I'll start working on Chapter 2 soon!
And for those of you thinking that it went too fast, that was my biggest fear... But you'll be glad to know I'm working plenty of doubt into part 2 ;3
*****
Sorry about taking so long, but I finally started working on part 2 again... Since I'm feeling generous, here's a sneak peek at part 2...
He tapered off in thought when he got to the showers. He couldn't decide what to do. Finishing his steak and eggs, he got up and rinsed off his plate, setting it in the sink. Having cleaned up from breakfast, he walked into the living room, laying down on the sofa. Mark rested on the couch, thinking and thinking. Could it have just been infatuation? But then what would that mean about him?
"I guess I'll stick around and see," he said aloud to himself.
"Glad to hear it," came Rick's voice from behind him.
Mark sat up, turning around quickly. Rick was standing behind the sofa, looking down at Mark.
"Oh, Rick! I... I didn't see you there," Mark said, stumbling over his words.
"Mark... what's wrong? You've been secretive ever since last night," said Rick, looking at the lion and wondering what was up.
Mark had been jittery all night. What if this was all just a big mistake? He looked at Rick, "I... well... ya see..."