The Penthouse

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It was about three in the morning. I was sound asleep, but was suddenly woken by the buzzer of my front door. It took me time to wake up enough and to realize it was indeed the front door buzzer that was calling for my attention. The person at my door was very insistent, as the noise was continuous. That, or someone had put a Chiclet on the button. The noise was seriously annoying me and I came to the conclusion that I had no choice of getting up and answer the Intercom. I switched on the light next to my bed, just to see where I put my feet. I pulled on my boxer briefs and went to the living room where I switched on another light. When I reached the video Intercom that all the apartments of my block were fitted with, I discerned a silhouette, but not really recognizing who it was. It was a man, but he had the cap of his sweatshirt over his head. It could be anyone. As I was not completely awake, my vision was not really focused. On top of that, the automatic switch of the lights in the entry hall went out. The buzzing stopped for a moment as the man went to the door and opened it, so that the lights came back on. Before he pushed the button again, I answered his call.

• Who is this?

A weak voice answered and even if I could hear him with much difficulty, I heard his name: Jason.

I pushed the button to open the downstairs door to let him in. Jason was my best friend. If he woke me at this time of the night, it was sure that it was important. Jason had always shown a lot of respect and most of all for someone's sleep. He knew me enough to know I would be asleep and that he was waking me up. I opened the front door of my apartment, waiting for him to reach my 14th floor with the elevator. I was already sick-worried and had a thousand questions running through my head. This was so unlike him to ring my bell in the middle of the night.

When he came out of the elevator, he almost ran to me and threw himself into my arms. He was sobbing like a frightened kid. I just closed my arms around him and let him sob. It took some time before he calmed down. I wanted to stroke his head and removed his sweatshirt cap. That's when I saw his face was covered with blood. I was on the verge of entering a panic phase. I put my finger under his chin and obliged him to look at me. My heart broke when his eyes met mine. That hunk of a man, tall, muscular and self-confident, looked completely devastated. He didn't even seemed aware of the blood on his face, coming from his nose, a wound above his eyebrow and a serious bruise on his lower lip. It didn't occur to me to even ask what happened. I pulled him into the bedroom and sat him on the bed. I went to the bathroom to get my first-aid kit as well as a warm washcloth and a towel. I went back to the bedroom and started washing his face and take care of his wounds. It took me about fifteen minutes to clean his face and apply the necessary products to his face. I then went to the kitchen and got some ice in another towel and came back to apply it to his eyes, trying desperately to avoid it to turn all the colors of the rainbow.

I started to undress him. He protested but I made it clear to him that I wouldn't take no for an answer and that he had to lie down and rest. He stopped arguing. I took off his shoes and socks while he carefully pulled his sweatshirt over his head. His T-shirt was also blood stained. I took all the dirty clothes and put it in the washer. When I came back to the bedroom, Jason was under the sheets with his back to the headboard. He held the towel with ice against his eye. He looked a bit better now that the blood was washed off his face. I was upset with myself because I was admiring his broad chest with the very fine hairs on it, so fine it almost seemed as if they were combed neatly down. I went into the living room to switch off the lights and then slipped between the sheets.

• You don't know want to know what happened? Jason asked.

• I think the most important thing right now for you, is to have some rest. We will talk over breakfast.

And with that I switched off the nightstand lamp. I knew I would have problems falling asleep again, but tried anyway. After about half an hour I was still awake, but tried not to move and kept my eyes closed. Jason had already put the towel with ice on the floor and was also turning over and over. At last, he spooned me as I had my back to him, and draped an arm over my chest. It felt awkward that he would do such a thing as he was as straight as an arrow, but at the same time it felt nice and comfortable. We finally fell asleep.

When I woke up a few hours later, I was first surprised to feel a warm body against mine, but soon the memories of the night were flooding back to me. I turned around and Jason was still asleep. During the few hours' sleep we had, his eye had really turned ugly with indescribable shades of all kinds of colors. I slipped out of bed carefully as to not wake him. I first went to the bathroom to empty my bladder and take his clothes out of the washer and into the dryer. My other priority in the morning was a nice mug of coffee. I had learned in the past that the smell of coffee was the only thing necessary to wake up Jason. We had slept over to each other's places more than once and the coffee trick had always worked. I had just poured me a mug when I heard him come into the kitchen. I smiled inwardly because the trick had worked once more.

I turned around and caught the sight of him, naked except for the tiniest white briefs that were almost to small to conceal his morning wood. I had seen Jason naked in the past when showering after practicing sport. I had seen him naked coming out of his or my shower. But this was so much more erotic. His tanned skin was covered with those fine hairs. His treasure trail disappeared into the tiny briefs that contrasted with the color of his skin. I felt my own cock swelling in my boxer briefs and I quickly turned around to get another mug out of the cupboard and serving him a coffee. Meanwhile he sat down at the kitchen table. That helped me to not been forced to look at his lower half of his body.

I waited for him to finish his first mug of coffee before I asked him the inevitable question.

• So Jason, tell me, what happened yesterday?

His eyes got moist again and there was even a light trembling of his lower lip.

• If you are not ready to talk, we can post-pone this conversation, but you have to understand I want to know what happened to you!

He nodded and I poured him another coffee. I sat down in front of him and took his hands in mine. In normal circumstances I would not have done it, but I sensed he needed some comfort from my side and it was the only way I knew to let him know I would not judge or condemn him.

• Last night we had a big argument, Lisa and I. As you know, she has not a real high sex drive and was refusing me once again. One word led to the other and the tone of our voices got higher and higher. We said some really ugly things to each other. At one point, I was so pissed with her that I left the house. I walked around a few blocks, trying to calm down. The longer I walked, the more I realized the whole situation had gone out of hand and that we said things none of us were really thinking. So, I went back home. She had not expected me back so soon. She was probably thinking I would return only in the morning. I entered the house and heard some noise that I could not identify. Reaching the living room I saw her sitting on the sofa in company of our neighbor. There was, unfortunately, not the slightest question about what they were doing. She refused me but was ready for the neighbor. So I tried to kick the neighbor out of the house and we started to fight. Lisa tried to separate us, but there was no way. What I didn't know was that the neighbor is doing some kind of martial art and he soon showed me he was better prepared than I was. In the end, Lisa threw us both out of the house saying she didn't want to see either of us ever. As I was in the street, I didn't know where to go and the only one who would really be there for me and help me, is you.

• Ok, I said, and what now?

• I don't know, Jason said, I guess I will have to speak to Lisa. This situation is totally absurd. I am afraid to say that I guess she has an affair with the neighbor since longer than last night. It sure explains why she refuses to have sex with me. What I don't know is what she will want to do and following a logical trail, what I will do. I guess I better dress and go over to my house to see if we can settle this situation.

With that said, he got up and went to the bathroom to shower and dress. When he came back to the kitchen he had that sheepish look on his face. I knew what he wanted to ask me so I helped him out before he even opened his mouth.

• Yes, you can come back here if things get nasty. We are friends, right? So, what are friends for? I won't send you out and live on the streets if it comes to it.

• Thanks pal... I owe you one.

And with that he was out of the door. It was not that I was pessimistic, but I had to think rationally. My apartment was an ample one, but only with one bedroom. I had no problems whatsoever to share my king size bed with Jason but the sight of him in his tiny white briefs had turned me on big time. I didn't want to jeopardize our friendship with a stupid move due to my never-ending horniness. My place was ample but I had no guest room. There was no possibility to put in a foldable bed either. I went to my bedroom and opened wardrobe closet and made some room for him, just in case. When around noon I heard the buzzer, I instinctively knew it was Jason.

When he entered, he was carrying two large suitcases and two sports bags.

• She had it all prepared! Jason shouted. She even had a restraining order. I am not allowed to get closer than one mile of her. She had the divorce papers ready and even a check for half the value of the house. I don't have the slightest idea where she got that money. She said all was over and out between us. She doesn't want to see me ever again.

Jason then mentioned that there were quite some boxes in his car and he didn't want to leave them there. It was a too big temptation for thieves. Luckily I had a storeroom in the basement and after a few trips, his car was empty and my storeroom was full. Lisa had really been working hard during the night to have all his things packed.

After lunch I went to see the maintenance man of the building. He was the one who knew who arrived or departure from any unit. As it was clear Jason was homeless, he would need a place to stay, a place of his own. The guy said he was lucky because the following weekend the unit at the end of the hallway of my floor would be free. It was a little smaller than mine, but more than enough for what Jason needed. As I work from home, I decide when to work or not and so I had time for Jason to furnish the place and help him bringing up the boxes that were in my storeroom. We had even the time to paint the place before the furniture was delivered. In less than two weeks, the place was cozy and inviting.

I was glad to have Jason that close by. He had now more time to hang out with me and our friendship became a serious bond. Most of the time we ate together at least two times a week: once at his place and once at mine. On weekends we would rather go out and then go for a few drinks.

What worried me was the constant parade of different women he was taking home. I knew he had a very high sex drive, but such a parade was preposterous. More than once I saw women coming out of his door in tears. Don't misunderstand me. I was not judging him. I was just worried. It would possibly bring him into trouble. As a friend I took the liberty of mentioning my worry.

• You shouldn't worry my Friend, he said. I have given my trust and my life once and you know the result of that. What I do now is satisfying my sexual appetite, but nothing else. As soon as I feel one of these women wants to tie me down, I make an end to it. The mistake I made with Lisa is not going to repeat itself. I appreciate your concern and the sincerity with which you tell it, but really, you don't have to worry.

I tried very hard to forget what I saw. Yes, I was a little jealous of all these women. I wouldn't mind to have an affair with Jason, but I knew it was impossible. I had had a few guys with whom I had a very good time, but I noticed that Jason's way of thinking was getting to me. How had he put it? Oh yes: "satisfying a sexual appetite". What I was aware of was that I didn't want to give up the two weekly meals with Jason and our going out on Saturdays. I also noticed that Jason was doing the same. It was a fact we always had a good time together, even when we just sat in the sofa to watch a movie on television.

After about nine months living on the same floor, Jason surprised me by saying I would have to do something about my weight.

• Your love handles are getting that big that your body disappears behind them!

I was a little upset with his comment, but deep inside of me, I knew he was right. Working from home as a graphic designer, made that I was sitting most part of the day and having access to food a little too easily. The fact I wasn't going out much, I wasn't even walking sufficiently as to lose the calories I had eaten. In the past I had never done a lot of sports and if there wasn't someone to push me to do it, I didn't do it. Jason asked me why I didn't go with him on his morning run. The only excuse I could find was that I didn't want to hold him up, but he didn't take it.

The following day, at six in the morning, he knocked on my door. I was still in my bed, but he insisted till I woke up. I didn't know he went running so early, but as I had agreed, I had no choice. Jason was very patient with me because, even if I didn't want to admit it, I was overweighed. His patience and persuasion made that every day it became easier for me to follow him. Once I could stay at his side, he started to increase the distance we were running. It took me about three months to really notice I had lost weight. Some of the trousers I was wearing got really to big. I tried to hide that fact with lose shirts hiding my waist.

Once again, it was Jason who noticed it. I was glad that he noticed it although he saw me every day. I was wondering with what kind of eyes he was looking at me. What I noticed was that the parade of women who visited him, decreased drastically.

On one of the mornings we were going for a run, I had to let out a guy I hooked up with. The guy had stayed longer than what I was used to and we both fell asleep, being wakened by Jason knocking on my door. I didn't know or trusted the guy enough to leave him alone in my apartment and asked him to dress and leave at the moment I went for my run. Jason and the guy crossed path and looked each other over with an undeniable animosity. I was surprised as that had never been the case before. What surprised me even more was the speech that Jason held to me during our run, saying I deserved better than "such a guy". I was dumbstruck. Jason had never uttered his opinion about someone I knew and even if he had, it was always a very neutral opinion. I didn't react on it, but made a mental note of it. If I reacted at the same moment, it was sure my tone would not have been condescending and the risk of having an argument was too big. I knew Jason for quite a while and thought it was better to bring the subject up at a later moment.

I didn't have to bring it up, as Jason did it before me, apologizing about the comments he had made.

• Why did you make the comment in the first place? I asked.

• Because I thought honestly that you deserve better than that guy. He was not attractive at all and I felt negative vibrations when he crossed me. Except if you tell me he is the best fuck in your life, I would certainly look for something better.

• He was not the best fuck in my life, I admitted. He was ok, but nothing more.

Jason pulled me by the hand to the bedroom and put me in front of the floor to ceiling mirror.

• Look at you Jake (yes, that's my name) and tell me what you see.

• I see myself Jason, what else do you want me to see?

• Well, let me tell you what I see. You are a tall man.

He lifted my T-shirt.

• You lost weight. You don't even have love handles anymore. You have a pleasant and nice-looking body and face. You have nice hair and sparkling eyes. It won't take long before you will even have a six-pack. You underestimate your self my Friend. You still wear the same baggy pants as before you lost weight. If you would do a little effort in buying some new clothes, going to a hairdresser and trim your beard, I can assure you that the next time you go out, you can catch a far better looking guy than the one I saw coming out of your place. But it is not all. You have a fantastic personality, a wicked sense of humor and higher than average intelligence. All in all, the complete package is really worth more than average.

I was stunned with his description. But he surprised me even further when he pulled my pants from my hips, taking along my boxer briefs.

• You see, you have to do some work there as well. Trim your pubes and I can assure you that your self-confidence will grow, knowing that if you hook up with someone, he will see a man who takes care of himself. When you go for new clothes, be sure to buy some sexy underwear!

My God! Nobody had ever made such a brief and exact analysis of my situation.

• Actually, there is no time like the present time. Pull up your pants, don't forget your credit card. We are going to have your total makeover right now.

Jason literally dragged me all over the city. The first stop was at the hairdresser's. He gave some instructions to his hairdresser saying I had to look more my age and not my father's. An hour later I stepped out on the street and I really felt different. I stopped to look at my new head in almost every shop window. Jason was hysterically laughing at my behavior. Next he pulled me into a shop selling men's underwear. When I looked at the boxer briefs, he pulled me away and went for briefs, tiny briefs and super-tiny briefs. He also told me to buy some plain white T-shirts and made me promise to throw away all those baggy black T-shirts I had. Next was a modern clothes shop. I was surprised when trying on some trouser, that the ones that fit me well were about three sizes smaller of what I was used to. He made me chose shirts but forbid me to buy anything black. We went on and on. Next were shoes. A pair for when I had to dress up, a pair for leisure time and some sneakers made the total package. I also bought a fine leather jacket that was maybe a little more than what I wanted to spend but it fit me that well that I couldn't resist.

When we reached my apartment we were loaded with bags and packs. I had new outfits for all kind of occasions. Without asking me, Jason went to my closet and started to put whatever he thought was not suitable anymore, in trash bags. Suddenly there was a lot of space in my closet. He made me take off the clothes I had on as he said they were not suitable for a sexy man like me. He suggested I would take a shower, as I was naked anyway. I did. When I came out of the shower, Jason came in through the front door and I saw that the trash bags had disappeared. He just said he made sure I wasn't going to fall back in old habits.

I had my towel around my waist. He pulled it off me and laid it on a chair, almost ordering me to sit down. He went for scissors and razor and set there was a last thing to do to complete my makeover. He kneeled in front of me and said he was going to trim my pubes. He carefully started that last job and I couldn't avoid growing a boner. He was touching my most intimate place, holding my dick in place while he cut the hair away. He said it was good because it made his work easier. He shaved my shaft and my balls. His touch excited me beyond belief. I had never felt my cock so hard. His feathery touch made me gasp for air. Nonetheless Jason continued his task very carefully.

• We don't want to make this beautiful piece of meat bleed, he said smiling.

When he finished with the scissors and the razor, he went to the bathroom for a washcloth and took the last remains of shaving cream away. When all was neat and well he took some baby-oil and stroke it all over my genitals. His gliding hands sent me over the edge and I climaxed there and then. I was so embarrassed! But Jason wasn't. He smiled and said I would have to return the favor one of these days. I didn't understand if he meant trimming his pubes or making him come. It was all so confusing and even more because he was, I thought, straight as an arrow.

He ushered me to the shower and once I was done and dried I went back to the bedroom. Jason had lain out and outfit, including underwear.

• Before you dress, Jason said, come over here and look at you in the mirror.

I did and was surprised with the reflection I saw. Jason had been right all the time. I wouldn't say I found myself attractive, but I looked at least five or six years younger, thanks to the haircut and the neatly trimmed pubes. He handed me a pair of tiny white briefs and I pulled them on. I remembered the sight of Jason the day he was kicked out of his house ... that morning when he came in the kitchen with just his tiniest briefs on ... Sure, I was not like him, but I could see some similitudes. I could easily imagine those tiny white briefs filled with a hard-on and looking at myself, although my cock was flaccid, I saw a definite erotic image.

Jason then handed me some dark blue trousers, a jeans model but in a different fabric, and a tight fitting white T-shirt. I pulled everything on including the boat shoes he made me buy. After months, almost years of wearing baggy things, I was fully aware of the clothes on my skin and I really liked what I was seeing in the mirror. It was nothing special, but I felt special. Jason was standing behind me, looking over my shoulder to the mirror and smiled.

• You have no idea how good you look now! The clothes you are wearing fit you. Your hair is stylish and neat. Man, guys will be in line to have even just a talk with you.

I thought he was maybe exaggerating but his words were good for my ego. He asked me how I felt and I had to admit I felt self-confident and sure. Knowing how I looked from the outside I wanted to meet someone so I could show my trimmed pubes. I knew guys would turn their head when seeing me. It was a strange but satisfying feeling.

Knowing how much weight I lost just with the morning running, I asked Jason if he knew any good gym not too far away. He looked at me in awe.

• Are you telling me that you now want to go to a gym and work out? I would never have imagined you saying that! But if that is what you want, I'll even go with you. We can work out together and improve our bodies and have a healthy sweat that will eliminate the toxins out of our body and skin.

We surfed the Internet to find the adequate gym, not too far from where we were living and found one that was about three miles away and with fantastic opening hours, starting as early as six in the morning. Jason had an easy schedule at work, meaning he could start between seven and nine in the morning and ending between three and five. Up till now he had always started early, but we decided to have our morning run towards the gym, workout for an hour and then run back home. Jason would then shower and change to be in time at his work. At the start we went to the gym two times a week, but as we found it so invigorating, our routine turned to four times a week at the gym.

For my part, I also started a healthier diet. I ate less pizzas and cheap take-away, replacing it with more vegetables and fruit. After about six month of gym and healthy food, I felt totally different inside and it showed on the outside as well. Just as Jason had predicted, when we were going out, quite some guys that didn't even look at me in the past, were now trying to get my attention. Some guys that I had known in the past almost didn't recognize me. But Jason's attitude started to change towards me. Whoever it was that tried to approach me, was in his eyes never good enough for me as he said. My body was improving and thanks to Jason my way of clothing was better as well, but I had less and less sexual encounters. I caught myself taking Jason's opinion as a standard when meeting someone. I always asked myself what Jason would say if he saw one or the other guy. There were even moments I thought I was losing my own personality.

Jason came along with me every time I went out for a drink, even in the gay community! Don't misunderstand me, we always had a very good time. Jason and I were friends for many years and we still are, because we are compatible and we complement each other. We could go out wherever it was and have a good time. Whichever activity we organized was always fun. We had very similar tastes concerning movies, music and art in general. We both loved Discovery Channel and National Geographic. If it weren't that Jason was straight, we would be the perfect couple.

The closest we ever got sexually was when we were trimming and shaving our genitals. Jason would do me and I would return the favor. The trick of the baby-oil worked each time, being it with him or with me. We would climax and laugh it off as part of the process.

As summer kicked-in the communal swimming pool was cleaned out and re-filled. It was for residents only. Jason and I wanted to use it as much as possible when weather was allowing it. I realized I didn't even have a swimsuit and the shopping trip for it turned out to be really funny. Just as for the clothes I bought, I let Jason decide on what to buy. It was no surprise at all that we went for Speedos. We were wearing the same size now and we ended up buying several in different colors. The first time we were wearing them (Jason a yellow one and me a red one) we got glances from both men and women. Our bodies were toned and tanned. We went swimming almost every day. We would always start with swimming the complete length of the pool about twenty times and finish playing like kids in the water.

Needing some extra space for my work, I cleaned out several drawers. I found some pictures that had been taking at a cousin's wedding and when I looked at those pictures I couldn't believe it was me standing next to the newly weds. It was the first time I had proof of what I had been and how I was now. You know, like those before and after pictures. If it weren't me, I would have said the picture had been Photoshopped. I showed it to Jason that night and he asked me what look I preferred. The answer was, of course, easy. I would rather die than to go back to what I looked before.

• I am so proud of you, Jason said. You have worked hard and persistently to reach what you are now. Your body is healthy and toned, but it is more than that! Your personality is so much better now. If you were a woman I would fall for you big time.

I smiled at that, but didn't comment it. We were living on the same floor for over a year now and I realized we saw each other on daily basis. It was very seldom to see one without the other. As we were friends since our childhood, I knew Jason's parents and he knew mine. Whenever there was a festivity in one of the families, we were always both invited. It was sometimes difficult as both families were organizing the same at the same time, like Thanksgiving or Christmas, but we managed. When it was impossible to match the same activity for both families, we often invited them at Jason's or my place. It was always quite crowded because the two families would be there at the same time. But as everybody knew everybody, it was always fun.

After one of these festivities at my place, Jason came up with a suggestion.

• I heard the maintenance man say that the penthouse will be available soon. What would you think we both abandon our little apartments and move in together in that penthouse? It is a three-bedroom apartment with quite a huge living room. The rent of it is the same price we each pay now, so it wouldn't change a thing in that aspect. All the other costs we can divide equally between the two of us. I think we would even be able to save money. What do you think?

It would be an important step, because we were both quite individualists and loved our freedom. Living together would imply a little loss of that freedom. Ok, we were friends and knew each other well. We were already together most of the time at his place or mine. Three bedrooms gave us the possibility to have each our own bedroom and space. The third bedroom could be a walk-in dressing room... I told Jason to give me some time to think about it. He agreed but nonetheless asked for additional information to the maintenance man who said he had the key on the following Saturday and would be able to show us the place. He warned that there would be some work to be done as the previous tenants had not done a thing in over fifteen years. Walls would need a new coat of color, the carpet was worn-out and needed to be changed as well and the kitchen needed new appliances.

The following Saturday we went up and the maintenance man let us in. In comparison with our one- bedroom apartments, the place was huge. He hadn't exaggerated about the fact that nothing had been done in over fifteen years. The previous tenants had not even bothered to clean a little and keep up appearances. We were looking at each other and agreed the place had a lot of potential. As we hesitated to say yes, the maintenance man mentioned that the owner agreed to give three months free of rent to refurbish the place. He had also made a copy of the original plans with all the measures on it. We asked the janitor for an hour to discuss it. He left us the keys and said to bring them down together with our answer.

An hour later we went down. We had discussed all the pros and the cons. We had more than enough furniture and all the appliances for the kitchen would come from Jason's apartment as he had all bought it new a little bit over a year ago. We agreed that we could paint the whole place ourselves. The only thing we would have to contract was to take out the worn-out carpet and put new flooring in. It was a kind of win-win situation and so we agreed to move to the penthouse. The janitor said that we would have no problem at all to find new tenants for our apartments as he had a waiting list with over twenty people on it.

At the end of that same month, both our families came to give us a hand to move everything to the penthouse. In the previous weeks we had painted every evening after our work and instead of putting a new carpet we had opted for a hardwood floor. Our Mums had been busy with the making of the curtains. Strangely enough, the two smaller bedrooms, although still quite big, had en-suite bathrooms. The biggest bedroom not! We decided to each have one of the smaller bedrooms and the big bedroom would be a dressing room. But there was still space enough to have my desk and computer in it as well. As the top floor of the building had four penthouses, we each had a corner unit with a very large terrace. Ours was facing south and west. The access to the terrace was a huge French door and could be opened completely so that the living room and the terrace could form one open space with breathtaking views over the city.

That first night in our new place, Jason and I sat on the terrace after that our families were gone. We had each a bottle of beer in our hands and were silently enjoying the scenery of the city lights. It was magical. My thoughts were that we were almost the perfect couple, except for the sex part. Jason had the same thought because he said:

• If only you were a woman...

And I answered:

• If only you were gay ...

To be continued if you guys tell me you like it so far. All comments welcome at amahy1957@gmail.com