Chapter 1 - Introduction

Daniel had never really been fit. Even throughout his childhood, he bordered that ironically thin line between average and chubby. But well into his late twenties, he was finding more and more of his clothes to be a bit… snug.
“You sure you don’t wanna hit the gym with me tomorrow, man?” His roommate Parker had asked him pointedly as they ate lunch one day. Daniel had been in the middle of a hefty bite of a greasy fast food burger and simply shrugged.
“I told ya,” he mumbled through a mouthful of meat and cheese, “gym’s not my scene.” Daniel seemed to either ignore or completely miss Parker’s comment about that being obvious as he continued eating contentedly.
Daniel still wasn’t fat. Now, he never was a believer in scales, especially after watching his mother fanatically use one nearly every day of his childhood. But anyone that knew him could probably have told you that he was looking a bit thicker than he had been a few months prior. Even despite people’s subtle (and not-so-subtle) comments though, Daniel didn’t seem to notice. Or care.
Daniel leaned back and rubbed a hand across his distended stomach. Two large burgers, a large curly fry, medium onion ring, and medium order of jalapeno poppers later and Daniel was stuffed. But the sound of the fridge opening in the kitchen reminded him that he had a shake to finish too. He gave himself a moment to breathe before hoisting himself off the couch and making his way into the other room.
“Don’t tell me you’re really gonna drink it.” Parker eyed Daniel as he poked his head around the corner. “Bro, you just had enough to feed like two people.” Daniel ignored his roommate and reached around him to grab the large oreo shake. It was slightly melted since it had been untouched while he ate, but it was still relatively thick.
“I have to though,” He reasoned. “Can’t let it go to waste. And dessert’s the best part.” Daniel pretended not to notice Parker’s judgemental eyes as he popped the lid off of his shake and started to drink. It was definitely thicker than it looked, he quickly decided. But he didn’t even slow down. If anything, it made him tilt the cup back further and try to get it down quicker. It was cold and sickly sweet and so rich that Daniel could already feel his stomach moaning at him for it. But soon enough, the entire shake was down and Daniel was taking a breath. Parker was still standing there staring at him. But Parker simply shook his head and left the room.
“You’re gonna get fat.” He called on his way out. Daniel merely waved away the suggestion. No way I’d get fat, he thought, my metabolism is better than it’s ever been.
Daniel didn’t notice just how tight his pants had gotten.