The first morning I spent in my new apartment, something terrible happened.
Just out of college, I had moved to a place in the city for my new job and was living with two other guys my age. I didn't know either of them when I moved in, but they knew each other.
'We've been buddies since we were kids,' the one called Nate said the evening before when I moved in.
He was built like a football player, with thick arms and legs. He was wearing jeans that stretched so far over his quads they looked like they could rip if he made the wrong move.
'Our parents sent us to the same summer camp every year and we got to know each other there,' his friend Chris said.
Chris was well built too, but slimmer than Nate. He looked more like a college wrestler and had longer, shaggier hair.
I'm in good shape myself, but I was tiny compared to these guys.
I was disappointed to hear they had years' worth of friendship behind them. There would be an in-built comfort there that someone new would find it hard to break through.
Still, they made an effort to make me feel welcome. We ordered a takeout that first evening and got to know each other.
They both had girlfriends from college but they were all living far apart now because of work.
'We haven't figured out what we're gonna do about the sex situation,' Nate said, shaking his head.
'Gonna be tough,' Chris agreed. 'But we promised them we wouldn't mess around with other girls.'
'Are they gonna come here and visit?' I asked.
'Oh yeah,' Chris said. 'But we don't know when that'll be. My girl Ashley is hoping to get here in a couple of weeks.'
'Stacey still has no idea,' Nate said.
'Their bosses are working them like dogs.' Chris sighed. 'We're not in college anymore, are we?'
Nate looked at me. 'You got a girlfriend?'
'No,' I said, shaking my head. 'I'm single.'
Single and gay.
I left the last part out. These guys seemed really macho. I would have to make sure telling them I'm into dudes wouldn't set off any 'no homo' bullshit.
Better to test the waters for a while and see. Maybe they would be cool about it. I shouldn't assume the worst.
'Lucky you,' Nate said. 'At least you can fool around whenever you want.'
'We're both whipped, as you can see,' Chris said.
'Speak for yourself,' Nate replied. They laughed.
We had a few beers and went to bed just before midnight.
***
And now we arrive to the morning it happened. Before I tell you about it, I should say one thing about my looks that I've neglected to mention so far -- I have a pretty big butt.
OK, more than pretty -- it's huge. Finding pants that fit has always been a struggle and I've never needed to buy a belt in my life.
When I was in school, some of the jock guys would whistle and make lewd comments about it when I walked past them in the halls. I always dreaded the locker room during gym class. The guys saw nothing wrong with smacking and grabbing my ass and then laughing about it, not for one minute realising how embarrassing it was for me.
When I woke up that morning, I could hear that Nate and Chris were already in the kitchen. I sleep naked so I threw on a pair of plaid pyjama bottoms and a vest before going downstairs to grab something quick to eat.
'Morning Mark,' Chris said when I walked in.
They were sat at the table, two huge plates of eggs and bacon in front of them.
'Morning,' I replied.
I was overdressed. Both of them were shirtless and wearing nothing but their boxer shorts. Nate's were black and Chris' were white; neither of them leaving much to the imagination.
Their bodies really were incredible.
I looked away quickly, not wanting either of them to think I was checking them out.
I didn't have time to fix myself something proper so cereal would have to do.
'Guys, where are the bowls?' I said, after finding nothing but cups and glasses in the cupboards next to the fridge.
'Beside the sink,' Nate said as he wolfed down a slice of bacon.
I bent down to open the cupboard and immediately heard something rip.
No. Please no. Please don't let that be what I think it was.
I stood up and looked around. My pjs had ripped right across my butt. I didn't put on any underwear before I came downstairs.
They could see everything.
'Holy shit,' Chris said.
Blood rushed to my face. How would I ever live this down?
'Mark, your ass is huge,' Nate said.
'Sorry,' I said, awkwardly putting my hands behind me in an attempt to cover myself, as if I hadn't just given them a full view already. 'I can't believe that happened.'
'Chris, did you see the size of that thing?' Nate said, looking at his buddy. He turned back to me. 'Come here.'
I walked awkwardly to the table, my hands over my butt.
Chris nodded. 'It's gotta be the biggest butt I've seen on a guy.'
My face must have been the colour of beetroot at this point, I was so humiliated. Why were they making me go through this? I wanted to go upstairs and never face them again. Screw making friends with my roommates. I'd avoid them both from now on if it meant never having to relive this moment ever again.
'Turn around for a sec, Mark,' Nate said.
'Guys, I really need to -- '
'Come on, it's no big deal. What are you getting all shy for?' he said, smiling at me.
I looked from Nate to Chris; both sitting there, waiting for me to turn so they could get a better look.
I guessed the sooner I agreed, the sooner I could get this over with.
Reluctantly, I turned and put my hands at my sides.
Nate whistled. 'Damn.'
'Not a bad view, first thing in the morning,' Chris said.
Then, without warning, Chris leaned over and smacked my ass.
Nate laughed and put his hand on the other cheek, giving it a gentle squeeze.
'This must get you a lot of attention, huh?' Nate said.
'Never as much as right now,' I said.
'I think we're embarrassing him,' Chris said.
Nate let go of my butt. 'Sorry man, we were just playing.'
I nodded. 'Uh, yeah, no problem.' There was an awkward beat of silence. 'Well, I better get ready for work.'
I left the kitchen without looking back, but I could feel their eyes on me until I disappeared up the stairs.
***
I took off what was left of my pjs and got in the shower.
Did that really just happen?
This could make things awkward. I mean, being friendly is one thing, but grabbing your new roommate's ass like that when you barely know them is a whole other level.
My best bet was to pretend like it never happened. If they never mentioned it again, I'd never mention it again.
Even though it had been embarrassing in the moment, now that I had the opportunity to replay it in my head, it didn't seem as bad.
In fact, in a weird way, it felt sort of good.