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------------------------ Bobsleigh Winter by VeryManlyStory aka Manly
I always loved spending winter in the mountains. Nothing beats the feeling of driving along cliffs and in between colossal giants while you take in the snowy landscape. Heavy clouds were hanging just above the tip of mountain peaks and glaciers.
It looked like it was about to rain, but the weather broadcast predicted snow. I pulled down the window of my car, letting the crisp air enter my lungs. This feeling of taking in the mountainous atmosphere was like a drug to me, bordering on arousal.
Before my head would drift off in into its own thoughts again, I saw the training center appear as I was driving. As I rounded a curve, the training center emerged from the veil of mist that had been swirling around the peaks. The building was a striking sight against the backdrop of the mountains.
It was modern, its angular lines and minimalistic design seemed almost to meld with the rugged landscape. The building's dark facade absorbed the surrounding wintry gloom, giving it the appearance of being sculpted directly from the mountainside. I was both in awe and yet intimidated by the sight before me. It was, after all, a new place I was getting myself into.
Snowflakes drifted down and settled on the roof's edge and the surrounding landscape, adding a layer of soft white to the otherwise dark structure. The facility's presence was commanding but thankfully wasn't standing out amid the landscape.
Architects who aren't able to design something that recedes into the natural environment are a nuisance of mine. They disrespect land carved into existence by nature throughout millions of years by creating displeasing man-made structures.
As I parked the car and stepped out, the crisp, cold air bit at my cheeks. I could hear the faint hum of machinery from inside the facility, mingling with the natural sounds of the winter landscape. The contrast between the high-tech efficiency of the training center and the timeless, rugged beauty of the mountains was striking. I was admiring the place and had to recollect myself before heading inside.
As I was heading inside, I wondered how I got here. One moment I was training with my CrossFit coach, Mark. He tells me about being an ex bobsledder, how I have got what it takes, tells me about this tryout and now I'm here. I drove out to this facility where fucking Olympic athletes train. I couldn't believe that I was anything like them, but that's what I'm here to find out, right?
I tried to learn as much as I could about bobsleigh before coming here, which frankly wasn't much. I know that it's fast and badass. My trainer told me I had the height, body and strength to become a bobsledder and that I only had to learn how to train explosively now. The decision to sign up for the bobsleigh tryouts through him came pretty abruptly, so I haven't prepared myself much. I could only change my workouts a little and add some more sprints, but did not know if that was enough to prepare me for this.
As enter the facility, a wide lobby presents itself before me. My eyes immediately dart to the reception desk. Any crowded place gives me anxiety. It was worse in the past, but with time I got pretty good at managing it. While I make my way to the desk, I see some athletes passing by. I smile and greet them even though I do not know who they are. Most reciprocate my awkward yet polite greetings.
"Hi there!" the receptionist's voice takes me out of my thoughts and back to the present.
"How can I help you?"
I return her smile, feeling a bit of my anxiety ease.
"Hi. I'm here for the bobsleigh tryouts. I'm not exactly sure where to go or what to do."
"Of course," her smile wideness as she grabs a clipboard from under the counter.
"Welcome! We're excited to have you here. Can I have your name, please?" Her sentence came off a little robotic, probably from saying it the hundredth time.
"Sure, it's Dax, Dax Stone."
She typed my name into the computer and nodded.
"Great, I see you're all set. The tryouts are being held in the main training area, which is just down this hallway. I'll give you a map, so you don't get lost. The tryouts will begin in about 30 minutes, so you have a little time to get oriented and warm up. Here's the map to help you find your way. You can find the main training area marked with a star. You'll need to show your badge at the entrance to the training area. If you have questions anything, just come back here and ask!"
"Thanks a lot, eh? Do you know if there's a place where I can warm up before the tryouts?"
"Yes, there's a small warm-up area right next to the main training area. You'll see signs directing you once you get there. It's equipped with all the basics you might need to prepare yourself."
"Perfect. I appreciate the help."
The receptionist gave me an encouraging nod. "Good luck with the tryouts! You've got this."
I felt a little more confident thanks to her as I took the map and badge.
With a final appreciative smile, I turn and head down the hallway, following the map's directions. The lobby's ambient light faded behind me as I made my way toward the main training area.
As I walked down the hallway, the atmosphere shifted from the cozy, subdued warmth of the lobby to the more clinical ambiance of the training area. Motivational posters, images of athletes in mid-action, and sleek, high-tech equipment lined the walls. The sound of muffled voices and the occasional clank of weights filled the air.
Following the map, I found the small warm-up area next to the main training zone. The space was compact but well-equipped: rows of stationary bikes, a few rowing machines, and a section with mats and weights. There were already a few athletes scattered around, warming up and going through their routines. I took a deep breath, letting the atmosphere soak in as I started with some pedalling on a bike.
As I warmed up, I couldn't help but glance around at the other athletes. Each athlete's body displayed perfection, moving with a blend of grace and power. I had seen some of them in action before from clips online, but being here in person was a different experience entirely.
After a few minutes of warming up, I headed over to the mats to do some dynamic stretches and get my muscles firing. As I started my routine, I noticed a tall, imposing figure approaching the warm-up area. He had a strong build and wore a jacket with the bobsleigh team's emblem. His presence seemed to command the attention of those around him.
He glanced over at me, and I made eye contact. He offered a nod of acknowledgment, and I managed a hesitant smile in return. I could feel my heart rate quickening, not from the physical exertion but from the sheer excitement and nervousness of being in such proximity to a professional.
Before I could dwell too much on it, I heard a voice from behind me. "You're Dax Stone, right?"
I turned to see a woman with short, dark hair and a confident stride approaching. She wore a tracksuit with the same emblem as the man I had seen earlier.
"That's me," I replied, trying to mask my anxiety with a friendly tone.
"I'm Lisa, one of the coaches for the bobsleigh team. I just wanted to introduce myself and give you a quick rundown of what to expect."
She extended her hand, and I shook it, noting her firm grip and welcoming demeanor.
"Thanks, Lisa. I really appreciate it."
"Of course. So, here's the deal: we'll start with a series of physical assessments to gauge your strength, speed, and overall fitness. After that, there'll be a few drills specifically tailored to bobsleigh to see how well you adapt to the sport's unique demands. It's going to be intense, but that's why we're here--to see who's got the potential."
I nodded, trying to absorb everything she said.
"Got it. Any tips for someone who's new to this?"
"Just focus on your strengths and show us your willingness to learn. The bobsleigh track is a whole different beast, but we're looking for athletes who can handle the pressure and are eager to improve. You've already got the right physique and background, so now it's about how you perform under pressure."
"Thanks for the advice."
"No problem. I'll be around if you have questions anything. Good luck, Dax. I'm sure you'll do great."
With that, Lisa walked off to talk to some of the other coaches and staff. I took a deep breath and refocused on my warm-up, mentally preparing for the assessments ahead.
The minutes ticked by, and I wondered how much longer I had to wait.
Soon enough, I could hear the announcement over the PA system that the tryouts were about to begin.
I grabbed my map and badge and made my way to the main training area. A prominent star on the map marked the entrance, and as I approached, I saw athletes waiting in line to check in. The energy in the room was palpable, a mix of nervous excitement and competitive spirit. I felt a surge of determination and stepped into the line, ready to give it my all.
As I handed my badge to the staff at the entrance, I glanced around the room. It was a sprawling space filled with various training stations, each designed to test different aspects of an athlete's abilities. One end displayed the bobsleigh equipment, offering me a glimpse of the sleek, intimidating sleds I would soon experience firsthand.
I took my place in the line of athletes, trying to stay calm and focused. The sound of commands being issued, the clatter of weights, and the hum of machines created a symphony of activity. I could feel my heart racing in anticipation, and I knew that this was the moment I had been working towards.
The bobsleigh tryouts were about to begin, and I was ready to prove that I belonged among the athletes I had admired for so long.
The first few moments of the tryouts passed in a blur. The physical assessments began with a series of explosive sprints, designed to test our speed and acceleration. Each time I pushed myself down the track, my muscles screamed in protest, but I knew I had to give everything I had. I could feel the adrenaline surging through my body, my heart pounding in time with my strides. But there was something else, too, something that tugged at the edges of my focus, something I couldn't quite shake.
It wasn't until the drills started that I saw him again.
The tall bobsledder with the strong build, the one who'd made me feel so inexplicably nervous earlier. He was at one of the training stations, working through the drills with a quiet intensity that seemed to draw the attention of everyone around him. His movements were sharp and precise, a fluidity that made it clear he had years of experience behind him. I caught his gaze once more, and this time, I couldn't look away.
I hadn't noticed before, but his eyes were a striking shade of blue, almost electric, set against his dark hair. There was a magnetic quality about him, as though he radiated an energy that made the world around him feel a little more alive. It was disorienting, to say the least.
As the group of athletes moved from station to station, I found myself unconsciously glancing toward him more than once. I wasn't the only one who noticed him. Several others were clearly trying to get his attention, offering greetings and attempting to make small talk. But he seemed to remain in his own orbit, unfazed by the surrounding distractions. There was a quiet confidence in the way he moved, in the way he held himself, like he knew exactly who he was and exactly what he was capable of.
Finally, after one of the stations, I found myself face-to-face with him as we both approached the water station. He was standing next to a few other athletes, casually talking. The moment I stepped up to refill my water bottle, his gaze shifted toward me.
"Hey, you're Dax, right?" His voice was deep, smooth, with a hint of something that made my stomach flip.
"Yeah, that's me," I answered, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "You're...?"
"Grayson," he said with a small, knowing smile. "Grayson Cole. Nice to meet you."
His handshake was firm, the kind that felt deliberate and strong. I could feel something electric in the air between us, like a current running beneath the surface of our interaction. It was weird.
"You're looking pretty good out there," Grayson added, his gaze assessing, but not judgmental. "You've got the right build for it."
"Thanks. I'm, uh... still getting the hang of it," I admitted, feeling my cheeks heat up slightly.
He nodded thoughtfully, as if weighing my words. There was a moment of silence before he spoke again.
"You'll get there. Everyone starts somewhere." His eyes lingered on me a beat longer than I expected, and there was something in the intensity of his gaze that made me feel like he wasn't just talking about bobsleigh.
I swallowed, suddenly aware of how close we were. My heart raced. Not from the tryouts, but from something else. It was as if his presence had anchored itself into my chest, a pull that I couldn't explain. The surrounding air seemed to thicken, and I struggled to remember how to speak.
Grayson broke the silence with an easy chuckle. "You're not used to this, are you?"
"Used to what?"
He raised an eyebrow, an amused glint flashing in his eyes.
"This. The feeling of being around athletes who really know what they're doing. Or maybe it's just me."
I hesitated, unsure of what to say. There was something disarming about him, something that made me want to drop the walls I so often kept up. I couldn't tell if he was being genuinely friendly or if there was something more to it.
"I guess I'm still trying to find my feet."
I glanced around at the others. Some of them were already in full-on competition mode, but I was still trying to wrap my head around the whole experience.
"Don't worry. You'll fit right in." Grayson gave me a reassuring smile, and for a moment, it felt like he was giving me more than just a pep talk. It felt like he was saying, I see you. And you belong here.
"Thanks. I really appreciate that."
Grayson's smile lingered a second longer before he stepped back, his attention shifting toward a coach who was calling him for another drill.
"See you around, Dax. We'll get you into shape."
I watched him walk off, a part of me still caught in that strange, magnetic pull I'd felt and another part admiring his perfectly sculpted body. He looked like one hell of a bobsleigh athlete. I wanted to be like him!
But there was something about him, something deeper than just his athleticism, body, or his confidence. I just couldn't place it yet.
I turned back to the training stations, trying to shake off the strange feeling swirling inside me. But no matter how much I focused on the drills, how much I pushed myself physically, my mind kept returning to Grayson.
By the time the tryouts wrapped up, I felt exhausted but also exhilarated, like I'd given everything I had and maybe more. I didn't know if I was going to make the cut, but a small part of me didn't really care. I had made it through the day, through the pressure, through the nerves, and I had done my best.
As I grabbed my bag and started heading out, I spotted Grayson again. He was standing by the door with a few of the other athletes, laughing at something one of them had said. Even amid the group, he stood out, commanding, effortlessly pulling my attention toward him.
Our eyes met across the room. This time, his smile was almost knowing, as though he could see right through me, understanding something I hadn't yet figured out about myself.
I forced myself to look away, but I could still feel the heat of his gaze on me.
The little inn where I was staying wasn't much to look at from the outside. A small wooden structure with a modest sign hanging above the door: Alpine Rest.
Tucked away just off the main road leading into the mountains, it was the place that seemed forgotten by time, quiet, and far removed from the intensity of the bobsleigh facility I had just spent the day at. It was perfect.
The room was simple but comfortable, with a bed that felt softer than I expected and a small window that framed the snow-covered peaks just outside. The most beautiful view in the whole wide world.
As I sat down on the bed, I pulled my phone from my pocket, still buzzing with the adrenaline from the tryouts. I needed to relax, but my mind kept drifting back to the events of the day, the drills, the athletes, and especially Grayson.
I wasn't sure if I was more excited about the tryouts or the strange pull I felt toward him. But I pushed those thoughts aside for now. I was here to train, to prove myself. This was the first step toward something bigger.
I stared at my phone screen, half-waiting for a message from Coach Mark, eager for some feedback. My thumb hovered over the screen, but then I saw the notification that made my heart skip a beat: a message from Lisa.
"Dax, congratulations! You've made it onto the bobsleigh team. We're excited to have you on board. More details to follow tomorrow, but for now, enjoy the moment. You've earned it!"
I blinked, reading the message over and over as though I couldn't quite believe it. The words seemed to hang in the air for a moment, like they hadn't fully sunk in. I made it. After everything, months of hard work, doubts, the uncertainty about whether I truly belonged, this was the confirmation I had been desperately craving.
I let out a long breath, a wave of disbelief and joy crashing over me. But then came the ache, the emptiness that seemed to follow me wherever I went. I was thrilled, ecstatic even, but a small part of me wished my parents could be here to see this. They had always supported me, always believed in me, even when I didn't. They would've been so proud.
I blinked, pushing back the familiar sense of grief. It was a feeling I couldn't avoid, no matter how much I tried to keep it at bay.
They're proud of you, I told myself. They're always proud.
But the loneliness in the room's quiet was louder now, amplifying the distance between me and the people I loved. The people who weren't here to see me stand on this new path. To see me step into this new life.
With a soft sigh, I quickly typed a message to Coach Mark, eager to share the good news.
"Hey Coach, just got the word... I made the team. Can't believe it! Thanks for everything you've done for me. I'll keep you posted on what comes next!"
I hit send, then set the phone down, taking a moment to let the magnitude of it all settle in. I didn't know what was next or how this would change my life, but I was ready for whatever came.
After a few moments of quiet reflection, I stood up, grabbed my jacket, and headed downstairs to the inn's lobby. It was late, but the place was cozy and warm, the faint hum of a fireplace in the corner adding to the ambiance. The innkeeper, a cheerful woman in her fifties, greeted me with a smile as I passed by her desk.
"Evening, Dax," she said in her thick accent. "You heading out?"
"Yeah, I'm just going back to the facility," I said, my voice almost reverent. "Got some big news."
She raised an eyebrow, clearly curious. "Big news, eh? What's that?"
"I made the bobsleigh team," I said, grinning ear to ear.
Her eyes widened in surprise.
"Well, I'll be! That's wonderful. You'll have to tell me all about it when you come back, won't you? Now go on, don't keep them waiting!"
I nodded, still smiling. I stepped out into the frosty night air. The snow was falling heavier now, coating the world in a soft white blanket. The mountain peaks loomed like silent sentinels in the distance, the only sound the crunch of snow beneath my boots as I walked to my car.
The drive back to the facility was short, but the excitement made it feel much longer. Every twist in the road, every curve in the path, seemed to carry with it the weight of a new chapter opening. My hands gripped the steering wheel a little tighter, my pulse quickening in anticipation. I didn't know what the future held, but for the first time in a long time, I felt like I was moving in the right direction.
When I finally pulled into the parking lot, I could see the lights of the facility shining in the distance, bright against the snowy landscape. A few cars were still parked near the entrance, showing that some athletes were likely still wrapping up their training or finishing up meetings with the coaches.
I pulled into a spot and sat there for a moment, taking in the facility's sight. It felt almost unreal, like I was a spectator instead of a participant.
I grabbed my bag and headed inside.
I stepped through the doors of the facility. Now, the energy felt different, more purposeful, as if the air crackled with the potential of all the athletes and myself.
Lisa was at the front desk again, her face lighting up as she saw me walk through the door. "Dax! I'm so glad to see you back. I knew you had it in you. You've got the right mindset, Dax. We're looking forward to seeing you grow with us. We'll be sending out more details about the next steps soon. But for now... congratulations."
I grinned, my heart swelling with pride. "Thanks, Lisa. I'm ready to do whatever it takes."
"I'm sure you are. Now, go celebrate a little. This is your moment."
I'd been told to meet my upcoming coach before the facility would close, and when I saw him, I felt like I was staring at some kind of Greek god.
Nature had sculpted Coach Balser's physique like marble. His face was sharp, with high cheekbones and a jawline that could cut glass. He had dark hair cropped short, but it was his eyes that held me in place, dark, intense, like he was seeing straight through me. His movement and stance suggested he was born for this. Made to lead.
"Dax, welcome to the team," he said, his voice deep and gravelly, like it belonged to someone who had seen everything.
"We'll work hard. We'll push your limits. You'll be stronger for it, and so will the team."
I nodded, a little awestruck, trying not to show how much he intimidated me. There was something about his presence that made me feel like I had no choice but to rise to whatever challenge he threw at me. I didn't know if I was ready for that, but I knew I didn't want to disappoint him. We talked, and he went over the basics of my next few weeks were about to look. Christmas was coming up, and he told me that rigorous training would already start before that.
Soon enough, the facility emptied. The lights dimmed, and the buzz of activity slowed as most of the athletes filtered out. I grabbed my bag and headed for the exit, my body tired but satisfied. What a wild day.
Just as I was about to leave, I stopped by the men's bathroom to wash my face. I needed to clear my head before hitting the road, to take a minute to center myself.
When I pushed the door open, I froze. There, standing in front of the mirror, was Grayson, still in his bobsleigh uniform. His dark hair was damp from sweat, and his muscles rippled as he stretched, his movements smooth and almost effortless. It was a sight that made my stomach do a strange flip.
He didn't seem to notice me at first, his attention fixed on his reflection. But then, as if he felt my gaze, he turned toward me with that same quiet, intense focus. His eyes met mine in the mirror, and a small, knowing smile curled on his lips.
"You're still here?" he said, his voice low and teasing.
I couldn't stop myself from staring. My heart rate spiked, but I tried to play it cool.
"Yeah, just... finishing up, was about to head out."
Grayson's smile lingered, and he didn't look away from me as he stepped closer to the sink.
"Stick around," he said, his tone casual, but something in it made my pulse quicken. "You haven't seen what's coming next."
His words hung in the air, and I couldn't help but wonder what exactly he meant. Was he talking about training? Or was there something else going on here?
For a second, I almost thought about leaving, but the idea of walking out now, of leaving this strange connection hanging between us, felt wrong. So instead, I stayed. I didn't know what was going to happen next.
Grayson turned to face me fully, his eyes never leaving mine. With a casual ease that made my heart race, he started to unzip his tight bobsleigh uniform. The sound of the zipper echoed in the empty bathroom, each tooth releasing with a soft pop.
"Heard you made the team, Congrats, man. Knew you had it in you."
I swallowed hard, my mouth suddenly dry as I watched him shrug the top of his uniform off his broad shoulders. His skin was smooth and tanned, stretched taut over rippling muscles.
"T-thanks," I stammered out, my eyes glued to his body as he continued to strip. "It's... it's a dream come true."
Grayson chuckled, the sound deep and rich. He pushed his uniform down over his hips, my eyes involuntarily darted to his huge butt and to my utter surprise he pulled his uniform over it, revealing a jockstrap covered bare ass.
I blushed furiously, my gaze snapping back to his face.
"Don't worry, rookie. It's just us here." His voice was a smooth rumble now, and he reached down to grab a new set of clothes from his bag.
He bent over,pulled clothes out of his bag and started putting them over his perfect body. I couldn't help but let my eyes follow the movements of his muscles, how they shifted and flexed under his skin.
The room felt hotter all of a sudden, and it wasn't just because of the warmth coming off Grayson's body. The air was thick with an electric energy that made me feel like anything could happen next. And even though every fiber of my being told me to run away from this situation.
Without seeming to care that I was still watching, Grayson reached down and grabbed a pair of black compression shorts. He pulled them up his strong legs slowly, gliding over more and more skin with each move. The fabric hugged his thighs tightly as he slid them on before stepping into a pair of form-fitting pants.
The jockstrap he'd been wearing disappeared from view and I couldn't help but feel like I'd seen something I shouldn't have. Yet, somehow it also felt... right, too.
"So," he said finally, straightening up and looking at me with that same intense gaze that made my heart race. "You ready to join our team?"
Was I? Honestly, at this point, I didn't know if I was ready for anything anymore.
"I'm ready, I think"
Grayson's grin widened into a full-blown smile.
"Welcome aboard, Dax, I told you, you got it in you, knew it the second I saw you."
Truth be told, I had no idea what was in store for me in the weeks and months to come.
The next few years would be a whirlwind of early mornings, intense training sessions, and late nights spent resting my aching muscles. I'd push myself harder than I ever thought possible, grow closer to
my teammates, and even develop an unlikely friendship with Coach Balser. Throughout the year Grayson became a surprising friend, we grew close and he became a sort of rock to my being. I never had a brother but he felt like one.
Today, one year ago, was the day I got accepted to the team, and this journey started for me. Only one more year to go and I would take part in my first ever World cup! Coach Balser believed in me. Christmas was coming up, but there was one more thing to do before everyone would head home to their families.
The invitation had come as a simple text from Grayson:
"Christmas getaway at the lodge in the mountains this weekend. Hot tubs, Christmas vibes, and a much-needed break. You in?"
Of course, I was in.
It had been a long, intense year of grueling practices, endless sprints, and a never-ending stream of challenges. Christmas was just the breath of fresh air we all needed. The team had booked a massive house up in the mountains, far away from the buzz of the bobsleigh facility, surrounded by snowy peaks that seemed to disappear into the horizon. It felt like the place where time slowed down and you could finally just... be.
When I arrived at the lodge, the scene was everything I'd hoped for. Twinkling lights decked the giant house, and a towering Christmas tree stood proudly in the center of the main room. A fire crackled in the enormous stone fireplace, its warmth battling the cold that nipped at your nose and cheeks when you stepped outside. The smell of pine and cinnamon filled the air, mixing with the faint scent of snow that had fallen heavier as the evening progressed. Christmas music played softly in the background, and everyone seemed to have a mug of something warm in hand, cocoa, mulled wine, or maybe something stronger.
The real draw of the place was the hot tubs. Outside, just beneath a canopy of fairy lights, sat two oversized tubs, steam rising from the water in the chilly mountain air. It felt like something out of a dream, a perfect blend of relaxation and celebration after a year of hard work.
I spotted Grayson right away, lounging in the hot tub, his dark hair wet and slicked back, a wide grin spread across his face as he waved me over. The team had already settled in, some relaxing by the fire, while others enjoyed the tub. Coach Balser was even there. Though he wasn't one for small talk, he was off to the side, quietly enjoying the warmth of the fire.
"Dax!" Grayson called, lifting his hand out of the water, the faint sound of his laughter mixing with the others. "Come on in!"
I hesitated for only a moment, but the invitation was too tempting. I'd spent months trying to get used to the team's pace, trying to keep up with their energy, their fire. Now, this was my chance to relax, to be a part of something beyond training.
I changed quickly, slipping into the tub with the others, the heat of the water soaking into my muscles, easing the tension that had built up over months of intense training. The view was breathtaking, snow falling in slow motion, the peaks towering above us, and the distant stars shining brighter than they ever did back home.
"Wow, guys! This is something,"
Grayson was sitting beside me, his presence as magnetic, and I found myself not thinking about the drills or the next competition. For once, I was just enjoying the moment. The team was laughing, telling stories, joking around in a way that was so different from the usual serious atmosphere of training. Even Coach Balser seemed to let go, cracking a rare smile as someone told a joke.
The moment felt perfect. This was Christmas, the warmth of friendship, the thrill of new beginnings, and, most importantly, a moment to take a breather and really take in the people around you. The competitive edge that we all carried around so tightly was gone, replaced with laughter and a sense of camaraderie that had nothing to do with performance. It felt so good. I never had this feeling, this sense of brotherhood, and now, with my parents gone, this felt like family again.
Suddenly, Grayson leaned over, his body pressing against mine as he reached for the bottle of champagne the team had brought up. Our skin met, and for a split second, I felt electricity shoot through me. We both smiled shyly before taking long swigs of the cold drink.
"Merry Christmas, Dax," Grayson whispered, his voice low and husky. I could feel the heat from his body against my chest, and it sent shivers down my spine.
"Merry Christmas, Grayson," I replied, hoping my voice sounded normal. I tried to focus on the moment, but then his leg brushed against mine underwater, sending a weird jolt through me.
I looked at Grayson again, taking in his strong jawline, his full lips, and those intense blue eyes that seemed to see right through me. A wave of emotion washed over me as we sat there together in silence for what felt like hours but was probably just minutes. Why were these feelings so unfamiliar to me? I never felt like this around a guy? My chest felt so warm.
We stayed like that for what felt like forever, our bodies touching lightly as we soaked in the tub. The other members of the team eventually left, one by one, until it was just us two. Grayson reached out for another bottle of champagne and popped it open with a satisfying pop! The bubbles danced around us as we continued to talk late into the night.
"You know Dax, I am really glad that it was you who made it on the team,"
Grayson stared at me, his blue eyes locking onto mine.
"Seriously, man, you've got something special. The raw power and explosiveness in your legs, the strength in your core. It's impressive."
I felt my face flush at the compliment.
"Thanks Gray. That means a lot coming from you. I've seen the way you move out there. You're a beast. The sheer force you generate, it's unreal."
Grayson chuckled, sending ripples through the steaming water.
"Yeah, I put in the work. Lots of squats and power cleans to build up my glutes and quads. But you've got the natural gifts, Dax. That athletic frame, those fast-twitch muscles. With the right training, you could dominate out there."
I blushed at Grayson's praise, feeling a surge of pride and something else I couldn't quite place.
"You really think so? I've been busting my ass in the weight room, trying to build up my strength and power."
Grayson nodded approvingly, his eyes roaming over my body in a way that made my skin tingle.
"Oh, I can tell, trust me. Your glutes are looking fantastic, so firm and muscular. I bet they generate a ton of force when you're sprinting down the track."
His words sent a shiver through me despite the hot water.
"Yeah, I've been hitting the squats hard. Feels great to have all that power in my legs and ass."
Suddenly Grayson's hand accidentally brushed against mine underwater and we both scooted back from each other a bit. I looked to my left, and Grayson to his right.
"Sorry man, didn't mean to...you know," Grayson mumbled, his eyes darting away for a second before meeting mine again.
"No worries, it's all good," I replied, trying to sound casual even as my heart raced in my chest. What was happening here? I'd never felt this way around a teammate before, especially not another dude.
Grayson cleared his throat, shifting slightly in the water.
"So, uh, you got any special lady waiting for you back home? A girlfriend or anything?"
I shook my head, suddenly very aware of how close we were in the steaming tub. "Nah, no girlfriend. Never really had time for that, you know? With all the training and everything."
Grayson nodded, his gaze lingering on me. "Yeah, I feel you, man. This sport it consumes your life. Hard to make room for anything else sometimes."
There was a beat of silence, the only sound the gentle bubbling of the hot tub jets.
"So, uh, you heading home for Christmas to see the family?"
I looked down, my stomach tightening.
"Actually, no. My parents...they passed away a few years back. It's just me now."
Grayson's eyes softened with understanding.
"Shit man, I'm sorry. That's rough. Well, you're welcome to join me and the boys. We usually do a big team dinner, get stupid drunk on eggnog, that sort of thing."
A small smile tugged at my lips.
"Thanks Gray, that means a lot. I might just take you up on that. Sounds great."
Grayson shifted again, his muscular thigh brushing against mine under the water. The contact sent a jolt through me, my cock twitching in my swim trunks. What the fuck was happening to me?
Grayson seemed to notice my reaction, his eyes darkening.
"You alright there, Dax?"
"I... I don't know man, maybe, I think I got too much to drink, yeah."
Grayson inched closer, his hand brushing my thigh underwater, sending sparks through my body.
"Shit buddy, might be your time. Here, let me help you out of here."
As he slid out of the hot tub and took my arm to steady me, my heart pounded in my chest. His touch felt electric, like nothing I'd ever experienced before. We made our way slowly to the private lodge Grayson had mentioned earlier, our footsteps echoing in the quiet night.
As we stumbled into the private lodge, Grayson's hand remained on my arm, his grip firm and steadying. The warmth of the room enveloped us, a stark contrast to the chilly night air outside. A fire crackled in the stone hearth, casting a soft glow over the rustic interior.
Grayson guided me to the plush couch, easing me down onto the cushions. As he sat beside me, his thigh pressed against mine, the heat of his skin seeping through the thin fabric of our swim trunks. My heart raced, pounding against my ribcage as I tried to make sense of the swirling emotions within me.
"You feeling okay, Dax? You don't seem that drunk to me."
I swallowed hard, my mouth suddenly dry as I felt Grayson's intense gaze on me.
"I... I don't know, Gray. I'm feeling kinda strange..." I mumbled, my words trailing off as I struggled to make sense of the heat coursing through my body.
Grayson's hand came to rest on my thigh, his fingers lightly tracing patterns on my thick skin.
"Strange how?"
I could feel my cock stiffening in my trunks. His touch felt so good. I shifted uncomfortably, trying to hide my growing arousal. But as I did, my eyes inadvertently drifted down to Grayson's crotch. I couldn't help but stare at the sizable bulge straining against the fabric of his swimwear.
"We... Uh, we are wet Grayson. Should we clean up?"
Grayson looked up at me. Something formed in his eyes that I never saw before. Something beautiful.
"Yes we should,"
Slowly, he moved his almost naked body closer to mine.
"Can I clean you Dax?"
Somehow I knew what he meant, but also I pretended not to know and just nodded slightly.
Grayson moved closer. He was really fucking now.
"Let me help you dry off."
His hand reached out, gently wiping droplets of water from my chest. I shivered at his touch, feeling my nipples harden.
"Thanks man," I mumbled, trying to keep cool, act like this was nothing.
"It's no problem," Grayson replied, his fingers trailing down to my abs.
"We're teammates, right? We take care of each other."
His hand dipped lower, brushing the waistband of my swim trunks. My breath caught in my throat.
"Gray, what are you doing?"
"Just helping you get dry," he said innocently, though there was a hungry look in his eyes.
"You're still all wet down here."
"I... yeah, I'm damp down there,"
I felt my face flush red.
Grayson smiled at me, his eyes full of mischief. He was really close now, close enough for me to smell the faint scent of his cologne mixed with a hint of sweat. It was intoxicating and masculine. I could feel my cock twitching inside my trunks.
Before I could think further, Gray's warm, wet tongue lapped at the fabric of my trunks, tracing a slow circle around the outline of my cock. I bit my lip to stifle a moan as electricity shot through my body. My cock throbbed against my trunks.
As Grayson's warm, wet tongue lapped at the fabric of my trunks, he let out the hottest moan I had ever heard and I bit my lip to stifle a moan myself. Fuck, this was crazy!
My heart raced, pounding like a drum in my chest. This wasn't right, was it? Two straight guys doing this? But fuck, it felt so good.
"Ahh... Gray," I groaned, unable to hold back any longer. "This is... intense."
Grayson looked up at me with a devilish grin before he removed my trunks with a quick tug. His eyes widened for a split second before he met my gaze dead on.
"Dax... your... you are big," he trailed off, at a loss for words.
"I think your cock is really wet. I need to clean it."
Grayson moved his face closer to my throbbing cock, his warm breath ghosting over the sensitive skin.
"Fuck Dax," he murmured, his eyes locked on my erection.
I let out a shaky breath. Grayson chuckled.
"Just going to be a good teammate, here. Gotta help each other out."
"Yeah... teammates,"
Without a warning, Grayson's tongue darted out and licked a long stripe up the underside of my shaft. I gasped at the sensation.
"Shit Gray,"
"Just cleaning you up, buddy," he replied with a wink before wrapping his lips around the head of my cock.
He sucked on it a little, making a loud slurping sound. He looked surprisingly sexy with my cock in his mouth. This was surreal. What was happening? Grayson pulled off my cock with a wet pop.
"I was right, your cock is all wet, have to clean it properly."
He dove back down, taking me deep into his throat.
"Shit, man, you're really good at that. Where'd you learn to clean someone like that?"
Grayson looked up at me, my dick still in his mouth. He pulled off slowly. Really slow, savoring how my cock felt in his mouth.
"Just doing what Coach taught me." Did he mean Balser?
"Us guys gotta look out for each other, right? That's how we make a great team."
"Fuck, that's... something. Yeah... totally. He is right, I think?" I agreed breathlessly, as Grayson swirled his tongue around my tip.
"Fuck Gray, I'm getting close,"
Without a second to waste, he quickly threw himself on my cock and started to deep throat me wildly.
Grayson continued working his mouth up and down my cock, his tongue swirling around the head each time he pulled back. His moans were so new and exciting to my ears.
"Fuck Gray, you're such a good teammate."
Grayson looked up at me, his lips still wrapped around my cock. A smile showed on his face, as my cock was still in his mouth. His body moved and without letting go of my cock with his mouth, he got into position in front of me. I spread my legs wider out of instinct and watched in amazement as Gray was sucking on my cock while being on his knees.
His butt, hugged perfectly by his wet trunks, perked up into the air and started wiggling. In a way, I had never seen a man do. It was obscene and so hot! I never would have imagined Gray moving like this.
I felt the head of my cock hit the back of his throat as he swallowed me deep and gagged on my cock. This was too much!
I couldn't take it anymore. I grabbed the back of his head, tilting it upward so our eyes met.
"Gray," I panted, "I'm... I'm gonna... fuck!"
"It's owkay, brou," he said with a muffled voice, my cock still in his mouth. "I gouht yoau,"
His hand reached for mine, lacing our fingers together.
I couldn't believe this was happening. Here I was, about to cum inside Grayson's mouth, and he was damn well enjoying it. A part of me knew this was weird, but at that moment, all I cared about was the intense pleasure coursing through my veins.
"Oh fuck, Gray, I'm gonna cum!" I groaned, my hips bucking involuntarily.
"Mmmph," he moaned back, his eyes locked on mine as if urging me on. It was the hottest fucking thing I'd ever seen.
With a final desperate thrust, I spilled my load into Grayson's waiting mouth. He swallowed every drop like a pro, never once breaking eye contact with me. Jesus Christ did that feel good. Grayson pulled off my cock with a wet pop, a satisfied grin on his face. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand as he looked up at me.
"There you go, buddy. All clean now,"
I was still panting, trying to catch my breath after that intense orgasm.
"Holy shit, Gray. That was..."
"Hot?" He replied casually.
I nodded, still dazed.
"Thanks man, you really know how to take care of a guy."
Grayson chuckled. As he stood up, I noticed a large wet spot on the front of his swim trunks.
"Looks like you enjoyed that, too."
I nodded at the wet spot on his trunks. Grayson glanced down and chuckled.
"Yeah, I guess I did. Just got really into helping you out, you know?"
"For sure,"
"I'd say I took pretty good care of you just now. Your cock is nice and clean."
I felt my face flush.
"You definitely did a thorough job. I've never been cleaned like that before."
"Always happy to lend a hand. Or a mouth,"
Grayson and I sat in silence for a moment, still catching our breath. The reality of what had just happened sank in.
"So, uh, that was pretty gay, huh?" I said with a nervous laugh. Grayson nodded, running a hand through his hair.
"Yeah, man, it definitely was. You never done something gay, I see?"
"No," I admitted. "But... I kinda liked it."
Grayson's eyes met mine.
"Felt hot right?"
"Yeah, kinda,"
We both shifted awkwardly, unsure what to say next. I cleared my throat.
"So, eh, do you maybe want to stay here in the lodge tonight? With me?"
The words just came out of my mouth. Grayson hesitated for a second, then nodded.
"I would like that. Thanks for asking,"
"Nice... Should we? Uh, I don't know. What should we do now?"
"We don't have to do anything, let's just, here,"
Grayson suddenly moved closer, wrapping his one arm around my thigh. I froze for a moment, shocked by the unexpected intimacy. His hair brushed against my cheek as he rested his head on my shoulder. The warmth of his bare skin against mine sent tingles through my body.
"This okay?" He murmured, his breath hot on my neck.
I nodded, unable to form words. My heart was racing fast, but not from fear or discomfort. This felt... right. Natural.
I'd never been close to another man like this before. Hesitantly, I brought my arms up to return the embrace. My hands splayed across Grayson's broad, sculpted back. I could feel the definition of each muscle under my fingertips.
As we held each other close, I felt a warmth spreading through my chest. Grayson made me feel safe in a way I hadn't experienced in years. Not since...
My mind drifted to my parents. Suddenly I felt close to them and I realized that this felt like home. For the first time in a long time, I didn't feel alone.
Grayson's steady breathing and the heat of his skin against mine grounded me, made me feel alive. His musky, masculine scent filled my nostrils. I breathed it in deeply, savoring the intimacy.
"This feels good," I whispered, almost to myself.
Grayson squeezed tighter against me in response. I wondered what we looked like together like this. To be honest, I couldn't picture it. I stroked my hand up and down his back soothingly. Trying to thank him somehow for how he made me feel.
I closed my eyes gently, trying to hold on to this moment forever. I embraced the new, how special it all was. How special my team was and how special Gray was. This Christmas brought me the most unexpected thing. I think my parents would be happy for me.
the end :)