Chapter 1 - Ace: Night One

Chapter 1: Ace

Graduation day was a whirlwind, a mix of relief, joy, and a bit of fear for the future. I spent the evening celebrating at a bar near campus with a few classmates. Jack was there too, a guy I'd only known for a semester but had quickly become someone I looked up to. Tall, slim, and always so confident, Jack seemed to have everything figured out. We were more acquaintances than close friends, but his presence was always a comfort.

As the night went on and the drinks kept flowing, the reality of my situation started to hit me. I had no idea where I was going to live now that college was over. My dorm room was a thing of the past, and I didn’t have the money to afford a place on my own.

I sat nursing my beer, feeling a bit lost. My shirt, which had become tighter over the past few months, stretched uncomfortably across my belly. I had gained quite a bit of weight during college, both muscle and fat, and I could feel the fabric clinging to my skin. It was a constant reminder of the stress and the late-night meals that had become my routine.

Jack slid into the seat next to me, a fresh beer in hand. “Hey, Ace. You look like you’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders. What’s up?”

I sighed, running a hand over my bald head—a habit I’d picked up since the trichotillomania had taken its toll. “Just trying to figure out where I’m going to stay now that we’ve graduated. I don’t really have anywhere to go.”

Jack raised an eyebrow. “No plans at all?”

“None,” I admitted. “I’ve been so focused on getting through school, I didn’t really think about what came next. I don’t have any family who can help, and my savings aren’t much to speak of.”

Jack was silent for a moment, his eyes thoughtful. I noticed him glancing at my belly, the fabric of my shirt stretched taut. It made me a bit self-conscious, but I pushed the feeling aside.

“Hey, I’ve got an idea,” Jack said, breaking the silence. “You know, I’ve got a three-bedroom apartment. There’s a spare guest room we could transform into your space. Groceries are covered, and all you’d have to do is pitch in for the increase in bills.”

I blinked, taken aback. “Are you serious? You barely know me.”

“Hey, we’ve hung out enough this semester for me to know you’re a good guy,” Jack said with a shrug. “Besides, I’ve always thought it’d be cool to have a roommate. It can get pretty quiet living alone.”

The offer was more than generous. It was life-saving. “I... I don’t know what to say, Jack. That’s incredibly kind of you. Are you sure you’re okay with this?”

“Absolutely,” Jack said, clapping me on the back. “Consider it my graduation gift to you. And hey, it’s not like you’ll be living there for free. We’ll make it work.”

I felt a wave of relief wash over me. “Thank you. Seriously, thank you. I’ll do my best to not be a burden.”

Jack laughed. “You won’t be. Welcome to the next chapter, Ace.”

With that, we clinked our glasses together and drank to the future. I had no idea what lay ahead, but for the first time in a long while, I felt a glimmer of hope.

As the night wore on, I found myself relaxing more. Jack and I talked about our plans, our dreams, and the crazy adventures we had during college. Every now and then, I’d catch him glancing at my belly, a small smile playing on his lips. It was a bit strange, but I chalked it up to the alcohol and the casual, friendly atmosphere.

When the bar finally started to close, Jack and I headed out, the cool night air a welcome relief from the crowded, noisy bar. We walked together, chatting about nothing and everything, until we reached his apartment building.

“Come on up,” Jack said, holding the door open for me. “I’ll show you around, and you can see if the place feels right for you.”

I followed him up to the third floor, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. His apartment was spacious and beautifully decorated, a stark contrast to the cramped dorm rooms I was used to. The guest room was empty but inviting, and I could already imagine setting up my things and making it my own.

Jack turned to me with a grin. “So, what do you think?”

“It’s amazing,” I said, my voice filled with awe. “I’d love to live here. Thank you, Jack. Really.”

“Don’t mention it,” he said, giving me a friendly pat on the shoulder. “We’re going to have a great time. Welcome home, Ace.”

As I lay in the guest room that night, staring up at the ceiling, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. I had no idea what the future held, but with Jack’s unexpected kindness and the promise of a new beginning, I felt ready to face whatever came next.

The next morning, I woke up to the sound of commotion. Groggy and a bit disoriented, I rubbed my eyes and sat up, remembering I was in the guest room of Jack’s home. The previous night felt like a blur, but the reality of my new living situation quickly set in.

I looked around the room, noticing how empty it still was. Jack had lent me a tank top and basketball shorts to sleep in, both very tight and showing off my excess weight. As I got up and made my way toward the noise, the snug fabric clung to my body, reminding me of how much I had changed physically over the years. Although I must admit, all that weight made my ass look phenomenal.

Stepping into the living area, I was struck by the sheer size and luxury of the place. It wasn’t just an apartment; it was a penthouse, complete with high ceilings, large windows, and an incredible view of the city. Men were bustling about, moving boxes and furniture into the penthouse. A couple of them glanced at me, their eyes lingering on my exposed skin where the small clothing didn’t quite cover.

Confusion washed over me as I realized the boxes were full of things from my dorm room. I stood there, unsure of what to do, when the smell of cooking drew my attention to the kitchen. There, Jack was shirtless, his toned and fit body on full display as he flipped pancakes on the stove. His muscles were well-defined, the result of years of staying active and fit. My clothes from the night before were cleaned and neatly folded on one of the stools at the kitchen counter island.

I walked over to grab some water, still trying to wrap my head around everything. “Morning, Jack,” I said, my voice still thick with sleep. “What’s going on? Why is all my stuff here?”

Jack turned to me with a warm smile, his eyes twinkling. “Morning, Ace. I thought I’d take the stress off you and arranged to have your things moved here. Consider it a housewarming surprise.”

I felt a mix of gratitude and worry. “Thank you, Jack. How much do I owe you?.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Jack replied, waving a spatula dismissively. “It’s all covered. Besides, I figured you could use a fresh start without the hassle.”

He plated a large breakfast—pancakes, bacon, eggs, and toast—and set it in front of the stool where my clothes were folded. The sight of the food made my stomach growl. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was.

“Also,” Jack continued as he poured himself a glass of orange juice, “I have a friend who’s an interior designer. She’s looking to build her professional portfolio and offered to help set up your room. No charge. What do you think?”

I was stunned by his generosity. “That sounds amazing, Jack. Thank you. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”

“Just enjoy it,” he said with a grin. “Now dig in before it gets cold.”

I sat down, the tight tank top riding up as I began to eat. The breakfast was delicious, and I quickly found myself getting full and bloated, but I couldn’t stop eating. It felt like a celebration, a new beginning in the most unexpected way.

As I polished off the last bite, I leaned back, feeling the waistband of the shorts digging into my belly. “This is incredible, Jack. I don’t know what to say.”

“Just say you’re ready for this new chapter,” Jack said, his smile never fading. “We’re going to make this place feel like home for you.”

I nodded, feeling a sense of belonging I hadn’t felt in a long time. The future still held uncertainties, but with Jack’s support and kindness, I felt ready to face whatever came next.