Ghost

Getting Fit

AN: So....this ended up WAY longer than I expected but I felt like all these parts made sense. This is a nice group thing for them. Just so we're clear, I am not demonizing all white women but it is a fact that some do feel that they "deserve" things over people of color. So that is something to be aware of when it is brought up. Also we get more of Owen's story here. Enjoy!

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

"Is the coast clear," Charlie asked as he grabbed the zipper of the large jacket he was wearing. Jeremy and Booboo checked the other aisles of gym lockers.

"All clear," the two men said together.

Owen rolled his eyes as he opened the locker he rented. "Don't you think this is a little extra," he groaned.

Charlie looked at him blankly. "What do you mean? We can't leave him alone. Do you leave your kids home alone," Charlie replied so matter of factly as he opened his jacket revealing Ghost inside a baby carrier. Ghost barked at the sight of something besides the inside of his father's jacket. "You were such a good boy, Ghost. Stayed quiet while we got inside. Come on. Out of the carrier."

Owen just facepalmed at how ridiculous Charlie looked with a baby carrier strapped across his torso. "I can't with you. You and Madison are really those pet parents."

"What do you mean," Charlie asked as he looked up at Owen as he put on the little muscle shirt that Madison bought for Ghost.

Owen's jaw dropped. "Really," his voice practically squeaked. Ghost looked at his new garb and wagged his tail.

Booboo came to Owen's side and squeezed his shoulder causing Owen to jump a little. "Don't be so upset Oklahoma. You know they can't help it."

Owen pouted at Booboo. "Don't call me that! I don't want to be associated with that basic musical."

Charlie butt between the two. "You can whine later, Owen. Remember Ric is guarding the door for us. Ghost," he directed to the dog. "Walk between us, behind Uncle B, okay?" Ghost barked and stood in formation as the four men circled the dog. They moved in sync as they made their way to the door. They slipped out the swinging door of the locker room to be met with the stoic form of the middle aged Puerto Rican. "We're good, Ric."

Ricardo looked down to see his daughter's bandmates and friends. "Good. Some guy tried getting past me a few minutes ago. Madison is already stretching."

--

The group separated to do their individual work outs. Jeremy was running on the treadmill with Ghost. Charlie was working on his arm and back muscles on the lat pull down next to him. Madison was hitting a sandbag with her dad holding it still. Owen and Booboo were doing sit ups and holding each other down with their feet.

"We're going to slow down now, okay," Jeremy said to Ghost to warn the dog. Ghost barked in response and Jeremy lowered the speed of the treadmill. Ghost slowed to a trot without losing his footing or breath. Charlie guessed the dog was used to running since he used to steal when he lived on the streets.

Charlie let go of the bar and let the wire fly up and moved his arms to get them more relaxed. "I am so glad to be back in the gym. Trying to find time to work out on set for the past two weeks has not been easy." Ghost coming into their lives was a blessing but the adjustment had caused cancelled gym sessions.

Jeremy nodded as he stepped off the treadmill with Ghost hopping off and going up to Charlie. "I bet. Haven't you and Madison started jogging in the mornings with Ghost to get in cardio?"

Charlie got up from the machine as he replied. "Yeah. It has been good. Gets us more awake in the morning. Ghost is good at keeping in step with us on the leash too. Aren't ya, boy?" Ghost rubbed his head against his leg. Charlie bent over and scratched behind the dog's ear. Ghost closed his eyes, enjoying the affection. "By the way, why did Carolynn not want to come with us?"