Chapter 1 - The Gym

Marcus saw his boss, Elio, at the gym for the first time. Although the 27-year-old had been going almost every day since joining this company five years ago, he rarely encountered many colleagues. Elio, an Italian-American with a hint of an accent, seemed like the most unlikely candidate for the same.

Marcus had known Elio since his days as an intern. And well, Elio was never a fit guy. He was visibly overweight to begin with and seemed to have added a fair bit of weight since. As indicated by the tightness of his clothes early on, he may have passed as a fit guy-turned-dad bod, but those days were well and truly gone. If Marcus had to guess, Elio seemed to be barrelling towards 220 lbs, which, for his 5'10 height, would put the 35-year-old in the obese category.

Marcus saw his boss struggling on the elliptical. He seemed to be sweating and wheezing as he tried to push his fat frame into action after years of leading a sedentary lifestyle and eating every slice of pizza he could. His good genes had saved his face, still looking sharp and classically handsome with a full head of hair. But the rest of him had gone to pot.

He was heaving a big belly that stuck out several inches, although it was not yet hanging down. It looked even more prominent compared to his twig arms and legs. Apparently, that was where all the extra calories had gone. There was also some flab in the ass but nothing compared to the midsection.

"Boss, it's good to see you," Marcus said, approaching him from behind.

"Ah, Marcus, yes, you too," he said, getting off the machine and placing his hand on Marcus's bare shoulder. "I really need a minute to catch my breath," he said, wheezing.

As he turned to Marcus, one couldn't help but marvel at their contrast. Marcus, in his tank, had well-sculpted arms and a tight waist, while Elio looked increasingly like the Pillsbury Dough guy.

"Well, this is the first time I am seeing you here", exclaimed Marcus, looking the tubb up and down.

"Yeah, I guess I have to do something about this now, don't I?" Elio responded, patting his gut.

"You should've started some years ago", Marcus thought to himself. "I can always help out if you want", Marcus responded with a fake cheery smile.

------------------------------------------ --------------------

Let me know what you guys think in the comments below.