Finding love and lust (a Zachary Levi short story)

Growing friendship

2 weeks later
*Zac*
"Come on .. two more Zac, you can do it". Blake says enthusiastically, spurring me on to get in a couple of extra lifts.

I put in all my effort, lifting it with a groan the last time, before dropping it to the floor. "Damn".

She claps her hands. "Well done.. that was one more than last time".

I smile at her. "Well having you to cheer me on helps.

"Aww.. stop it". She gives me one of those adorable, shy smiles.

I would be lying if I claimed that I do not like Blake.. a lot, as more than a friend. We have talked a lot, and she has told me about her struggles and how it makes her feel when men comes onto her, as she is asexual.

Of course I respect this, we are the way we are, but granted it is a bit of a bummer. I am still.. considering how to handle all this.. I mean will I be able to live with this part of her ? I do not want to end up with her feeling pressured and me being frustrated.. Neither of us would be happy then.

"What is it, Zac ? You look so thoughtful". She asks, cocking her head, as she looks at me.

I shake my head slightly. "Nothing, just drifting into my own thoughts.. hey tomorrow.. what do you say.. video night my place ?"

So far we have only met at the gym.. and a couple of times had coffee after.. this is the first time I ask her to do something else.

"Hmm". She looks a little thoughtful and a little worried.

"As friends of course.. you have a lot of catching up to do on movies". I say, then I wink. "Let me be your movie Yoda".

She grins and seems to relax. "Teach me you will".

I clutch my heart. "There is hope still my dear".

"It's a date then". She says, then her cheeks turn pink. "Uhm a friendly movie date I mean".

"Do my best friend prefer pizza or sushi ?" I say, to let her forget the awkwardness.

She grins. "Both.. is both an option ?"

"If my lady wants both, both she will get". I say, taking her hand and kissing it.

Next evening
*Blake*
For some reason I feel nervous ringing Zac's door. Why am I nervous ? This is Zac.. one of my best friends.. probably the only single straight guy who never looked at me.. in that.. way.

I tug at my pink hoodie, trying to make it reach the sweatpants.. was it wrong for me to wear something cropped ? It shouldn't be wrong.

It has been such a relief to work out with Zac, the sheer size of him seems to keep other men away.. and I feel the story of what he did to Brian has spread.

"Hi.. don't you look pretty, as always". Zac says with one of those big grins I love.

"Hi Zac.. Thanks.. you look pretty too". I give him a cheeky grin. He is wearing sweatpants with an army pattern and a tank top, showing off those impressive biceps.

He twirls and chuckles, waving his hand. "This old thing".

"Hey talk nicely about your body Zac, it is being nice to you".

"Oh you cheeky little". He grabs me, pulling me inside and trying to tickle me at the same time.

I slip away.. walking backwards, to keep my eyes on him. "See that poor old body can't keep up..". I stop myself, noticing how low his pants are on his tall frame. "I hope you are wearing underwear, cause those pants will slip down any minute".

"Underwear ? What is underwear ?" He wiggles his eyebrows, then turns kinda sideways, clapping his own ass. "No worries, this perky thing is holding them up".