chapter 1

Michael stepped off the plane into the airport, taking a deep breath of the warm L.A. air. This is what he had been waiting for his whole life!

Michael was born and raised in a small town in South Carolina, feeling trapped by the emptiness of his town and lustful for the big city life. He had extremely good looking, and by his high school years the whole town knew him by his name for his sweet eye candy. He had been his high school's star quarterback, and at 6'0 and 185lbs of pure muscle, he was built like a greek god. But Michael suffered silently knowing how much better his life would be if he lived another life, a famous model, actor, at least something, living out on the beaches and partying his nights away. Instead, he worked with his dad around the farm (the physical labor helped put on his muscles). His parents didn't have much money, which would be a big obstacle in Michael's hopes for a famous future.

After graduating high school, Michael decided he would start saving enough money to get himself out of his dirt home town and find a place in L.A., where he hoped he could start a modeling career. He had thick, wavy brown hair, a chiseled jaw line underneath a thin beard. His body was something to envy, with thick pecs and tight abs. He thought the looks was all he needed to land a modeling agency, and he certainly had them. Unfortunately, he was wrong.

Michael worked for the next three years at a local construction company which paid well, and doubled as time for Michael to get his muscles even bigger. He made sure to eat right, follow a strict diet, and head to the gym on his off days, helping to build another solid 10 pounds of muscle to his already muscular frame. His hard work paid off, both in the gym and in the bank, and he was able to afford a small apartment in a cheap neighborhood out in L.A. It wasn't much, but it was something to get him started. He had enough to cover the first 3 months rent, and he hoped he could get a job by then. At 21, he booked a plane ticket out of South Carolina to make his dreams come true.

Michael exited the airport and stepped into his uber, taking him to his new apartment. It was sunset, and Michael stared at the window amazed at the beautiful view. He never left South Carolina before, and Los Angeles was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. His uber dropped him off at his apartment, and was delighted that it was on the first floor, as he was exhausted from his long flight. The small studio apartment already had a mattress inside and he fell asleep instantly.

He woke up the next morning and started getting his things together, organzing what he could in the small space. Michael set up his laptop and began submitting portfolios to modeling agencies, and he was sure he'd get a call back from at least one. He spent the entire first week applying to over two dozen agencies, hoping to hear back. He also explored the city, visiting different bars hoping to make some connections. But his hopes were diminished as he struggled to find anyone that could help him land a job.

By the third week, Michael continued to struggle. He began to feel a bit lonely, barely knowing anyone and still no success on the modeling front. He sat at his computer confused. He was the best looking guy in his whole town! Hell, he was the best looking guy he knew in South Carolina, but he couldn't get a single call back? He was already in California for nearly a month, and with no income and all his savings busted on the high cost of living and trying to make his apartment look decent, rent would be due and he would have nothing to pay it with.

Michael had paid for a membership at a nearby gym, and decided he'd take his frustrations and stress out in a high intensity workout. This was his typical coping mechanism. There, while benching over 300lbs, he saw a shadow block his vision. He pushed the bar back up and sat up from the seat, and faced a pretty good looking guy. He was tall and had a great physique. He had short blonde hair, tan skin, and beautiful blue eyes.

"Hey, you need a spotter?" he asked.

"Sure, thanks." Michael said. He laid back down and began lifting the weight bar again.

"The name' Chris. You new around here?"

"Yeah, I just moved to L.A. from South Carolina three weeks ago. My name's Michael."

"Yeah, I figured something like that from your accent. So what brings you to L.A.?" Chris asked, and Michael set the bar back and sat up again.

"I've always wanted to live in California. I came here looking for a modeling gig, but haven't found much luck."

"Yeah, I've been doing the same thing. I know a lot of people looking to make it big here, but its rough man." Chris said, sitting down at the bench next to Michael. "I've been here a few months but no luck."

Months? Michael couldn't wait months, he couldn't afford it. Chris looked like he could cover a magazine and he couldn't find anything? What was he gonna do?

"What have you been doing since?" Michael asked.

"I'm a personal trainer now, but I'm still trying to meet some influencers or someone to help me land a contract." Chris said. "You've got a pretty good physique, I can probably get you a job here if you'd like." Chris added.

Michael definitely could use some income, but he didn't come to L.A. to be a personal trainer. He wanted to put all his energy into finding a modeling agency. Maybe Chris wasn't working hard enough.

Michael's conflict was clear on his face, and Chris picked up on it. "Listen, you don't have to answer now, but here's my card. If you want a job call me. Or if you just want someone to get a beer with, I'm here too. I know it can get lonely here." Chris said, handed Michael his card, and headed off. Maybe he could use a friend.

Michael ended up calling Chris the next day for the job, and he was nearly hired on the spot. The two guys hit off right away. Both had played football in high school, liked sports, and had a good sense of humor. They fulfilled their own competitive drives in the gym, and Chris helped Michael navigate the city and gave him tips for his job search.

Three more weeks passed and Michael still hadn't heard from any modeling agencies. He was beginning to feel hopeless, wondering if the move was even worth it. But then Chris nearly ran into the breakroom Michael was sitting in.

"Michael! I've got great news!" he nearly yelled, waving a piece of paper in his hands.

"Did you get a contract?" Michael asked, instantly feeling his heart drop a bit in jealousy.

"No, but I got us something that'll help both of us land a job!" he said, and placed the paper on the table.

Michael began reading the flyer Chris brought in. "Participants Wanted: Experimental Drug Testing for Muscle Development?" Michael read the title, confused.

"Yeah! Someone handed me this flyer outside Starbucks this morning. They're looking for people to test out a drug that builds muscle! And look how much it pays!" Chris said excitedly.

"But how does this help us get a modeling contract?" Michael asked, not any less confused.

"Michael! We're obviously not big enough for what these agencies want! This will help us to look like gods!" Chris said.

"I don't know man..." Michael said, hesistantly. He continued reading the flyer, and it didn't seem very convincing.

"C'mon, what's the worst that'll happen? If it doesn't work, we still get paid like $5k!" Chris begged, now on his hands and knees. "Please Michael!"

"Fine," Michael said, and Chris gave him a big hug laughing. "We're gonna be models dude!"

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Thank you for reading! The first chapter was a bit slow, but I promise it'll pick up soon. Please leave a like / comment / message or any thoughts! :)