Page 67 of The Titan and the Trainer

“OK, fair enough, but maybe just let me know if you’re going to be on TV or doing some big public event, so I can at least watch?”

Julian was now standing beside Callum, and he lifted one leg to carefully slide in between Callum and the machine, inserting himself so he was now sitting on his lap, very close. He kissed Callum, matching his repetitions, as he pulled the bar down to his chest.

“But first, I’m going to sit here and kiss you until you finish this set of exercises, then get changed and come and join you for a mini session, OK?”

“Of course,” Callum replied, responding to his kiss.

Julian could feel that Callum was getting aroused; a smile crossed his face.

“And later, who knows what might happen. We might exercise this muscle.” He rubbed against Callum’s arousal, responding to his touch.

They did exercise, enjoying a nice short swim afterwards, where Julian showed Callum how fast he was by beating him spectacularly twice out of three races.

They showered and had some poolside fun in the last rays of the sun, where Julian did exercise that particular muscle, and Callum reciprocated.

Martha served a nice dinner of spaghetti and meatballs, which they enjoyed, and they settled down and watched Avengers: Endgame whilst Callum did more Lego, Which, by now, it was about half complete.

Chapter 27 - Intimate Affairs and Dancing

Fri. 21st - Thu. 27th Feb. 25

Callum had the night off from The Vault on Friday because it was closed. Tony was having work done on the lighting grid, so they were shut all weekend. Callum knew about this in advance and had arranged a dinner at his with Sophia, Jack and Rosie.

Julian would be there, and everyone was keen to get to know him better in a social situation. Callum doubted Jack would come. He had returned to the gym the day after their argument but was still giving Callum the silent treatment. He also had a half-day holiday on the Friday, so he had disappeared off at lunchtime.

Sophia had come early to help Callum get things ready. She’d made Tiramisu from an old family recipe, so dessert was sorted. Callum made one of his staples, which was a chickpea curry. Healthy, tasty and prepped in advance, so zero stress. He’d even made pickled red onions that morning, which had been brewing all day to serve as a side. All he needed to do was reheat the curry, cook some rice and serve. He’d bought a bag of mixed salad, and bread, so everything was taken care of. Julian offered to provide wine and arrived with six bottles of a 1987 Chablis, probably worth a fortune. Callum had zero idea and just put them in the fridge next to the Dr Pepper Zero.

Rosie arrived in a cheerful bright red dress, and they opened the Chablis. Callum didn’t expect Jack to come and they waited until 8:00 pm, but no sign, no message, so Callum served the food. Talk flowed easily. Sophia and Julian built on their friendship, again discussing his suits and how they were progressing. Callum and Rosie chatted about people at the gym. It was all easy, friendly and convivial. Everyone loved the curry, Sophia included, who’d eaten it numerous times when they were poor student flatmates. They all raved about the pickled red onions and how they complemented the dish.

Just after 9 p.m., there was a buzz from the intercom, which Callum went to answer. It was Jack. A very drunk Jack. He went to get him, and a little while later, they arrived at the apartment. Callum had almost had to carry him up four flights of stairs. Everyone rallied around to get him to drink water and try to sober up.

Jack was incoherent, rambling away, telling Callum he was sorry for being an asshole and that he loved him, but not the same way Julian loved him, more like a brother. Telling Sophia that he loved her, not like a brother, but with proper love, and that they should be together and make sweet love. He told Julian that he needed to love Callum and save their gym. Everyone could see just how drunk Jack was, so no one took any of it too seriously as they cajoled him to drink glass after glass of water, followed by strong coffee.

Jack did sober up. He went off to the bathroom and vomited loudly, which in a small apartment echoed through the walls.

“Oh my God, what do we do? He’s been sick!” Julian’s face was a picture.

“We flush, Julian, that’s what we do. We flush and clean up,” Callum laughed as he hugged him tightly.

Julian seemed panicked, like such a thing had never happened to him in his life, but he then saw the funny side of it and started laughing, declaring, “This is real life.”

Callum went to sort Jack out and clean up. Jack now declared he felt much better and fancied some curry. They dished him some, slightly concerned with the effect it might have on him, but he was okay and kept it down.

The Tiramisu was delicious, Sophia’s family recipe was declared a triumph, and a good evening was had by all.

Everyone loved Julian, who was funny and entertaining. Callum reflected afterwards that he’d never seen him so relaxed and having fun around other people. The side of him he always saw sometimes got pushed away by the Titan when in company, but he was not present tonight.

Sophia ordered an Uber, promising Rosie and she would make sure Jack got home okay and they headed off, leaving Callum and Julian to clean up. Callum washed plates, whilst Julian dried, and they soon had the place tidy. Julian stayed over, instantly spooning up against Callum in their normal position, which of course led to arousal, kissing and more. Then, wrapped tightly together, they drifted off.

***

Saturday 22nd February 25

Saturday, Julian broke new ground, involved in something completely different.

Callum and Jack were hosting an event at The Iron Works as part of a larger community drive. They had agreed to host fun gym sessions for children from the local area.

As soon as Julian had heard about this, he offered his services. “Yes, you could maybe pass as a fit guy,” Callum joked, squeezing his huge arms.