The Lion

Here’s the thing with gay guys. We’ve got this image in media, like we’re all fashion icons or big buff guys. My reality is far more mundane. I stay home and make supper. I watch Netflix with my boyfriend. I wear a lot of hoodies.

Even my sex life is kinda dull. Blowjobs and handjobs and anal on his birthday. Jack and I were trying to spice it up a bit – that’s how we ended up talking about our kinks.

“Okay... I’ll go first,” I said. We both had our second glass of wine ready. “I guess... I’ve watched a little BDSM stuff. Like... I always wanted to try getting tied to the bed or whatever. So maybe we could try that sometime?”

“Yeah... I mean, I’d have to practice my knots,” Jack nodded. “Anything else?”

“Um... sometimes I get turned on by feet a little... I guess? I dunno, it’s not a real kink, but I saw it in porn and maybe?” I said hesitantly. “What about you?”

“Um... for me it’s hypnosis,” Jack said with a nervous laugh.

“Like when people quit smoking?”

“More... um... there’s all this stuff online about hypnotizing straight guys to make them gay, or hypnotizing guys into changing their personality and becoming bodybuilders or whatever... it’s dumb, but it’s stupid hot.”

“Seriously?” I asked. I’d never heard of that before. “So what... I wave a magic wand and you’ll get hard?”

“More like... there are all these mp3 files online. You put them on your iPod and play them and they’re supposed to... kinda transform you, I guess.”

“Like how?” I asked, leaning in. I was curious enough to dig.

“Well... like there are files that are supposed to change your personality. There’s one I saw that’s supposed to turn you into a total alpha jock kinda guy... all strong and in control and stuff. You should... you should try it,” Jack stammered. “I mean... your name’s Leo, like the Lion, right? You could be a total alpha beast.”

“What, like all muscle and stuff. Babe, I didn’t even know you were into that...” I said with surprise.

Honestly, there was no chance I could deliver. Jack and I are both in our mid-twenties and I’ve never been to a gym. I don’t have the genetics for it – I’m not skinny, I’m not fat, I’m just... here.

“Yeah, I mean... it’s muscle, but it’s also attitude,” Jack said. “Alphas are supposed to be super confident and controlling and stuff. And I just thought that maybe... if you were a little more confident in the bedroom...”

“Why don’t you try it?” I asked. “I mean, if it’s your kink... maybe listening to that stuff would get you ready to fuck more often. It’s not just me babe... you’re like... never down to get laid.”

“C’mon,” Jack whined. “It’d be hot. And it’d get me off... knowing that the guy I was with... that maybe he’d been hypnotized to uh...”

“Sorry babe,” I said, shaking my head. “It’s bullshit.”

“Yeah,” Jack admitted. “But it’s such hot bullshit.”

“Alright,” I shrugged, finishing off my wine. “I just don’t think it’s for me. I’m gonna go to bed. You wanna come and cuddle for a while? Maybe I’m not some alpha macho man, but I’m a good cuddle, right?”

“Yeah,” Jack smiled. “Yeah, you are. I think I’m gonna stay up for a little while though. I’ve got some emails I’ve got to answer, that kinda stuff.”

So I went to bed. I changed into a clean pair of pyjamas, put in my headphones – I like podcasts – and slipped between the flannel sheets.

I slept the night away, blissfully unaware.

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

I woke up first thing in the morning. Normally I’m a slug in bed, but for some reason I was full of energy. Ready to take on the day and all that horseshit.

“Mmm... hey...” Jack murmured beside me. “Saturday...”

“Yeah babe,” I said, giving him a kiss on the forehead. “Go back to sleep. I’m just gonna get up and take a shower.”

I slipped out of the room quietly and stepped under the steaming water in our small bathroom. I felt really good – normally after a night of drinking wine I’m a little hungover, but for some reason I was feeling energetic. Powerful, you know?

I took my time in the shower. Jack wasn’t getting up anytime soon, and my body deserved the attention. I soaped myself up thoroughly, letting my hands slide over each and every muscle. I’m wasn’t a big guy, but you’ve got to be proud of who you are, y’know? I remember sliding my hands back and clutching my asscheeks, giving each of them a firm squeeze. Yeah... there was something to work with.

After I dried off and slipped into a t-shirt and shorts. I felt restless – it was barely nine o’clock, and already the day was ticking buy at an alarming pace. Jack was still snoring away in the bedroom so I decided to treat myself to a coffee. Two minutes later I was out the door and headed for my local cafe.

Americano safely in hand, I found myself wandering the neighbourhood. We’d lived in the same small house since college, but I had to admit, I mostly just went to work and coffee and out for groceries. It was a shame – we actually lived in a really cool place. I passed a couple of bars, a row of restaurants I’d never tried, and a decent sized gym only three blocks from our house. Something about the gym called to me... I remembered talking to Jack about it last night, how I’d never actually gone into a gym before.

That was going to change.

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

I’d been going to the gym for around a week when I met Parker. He was this cool guy who was always down to help me figure out how to use a machine or correct my form a little bit. A lot of the more experienced gymrats won’t give me a second glance, but Parker saw me trying and he like to help a newbie.

“Here dude, you’re really rolling your shoulders forward when you bench,” he said. “If you want to hit that chest, you’ve got to make sure its activating. Otherwise you’ll end up hurting your shoulders and that’s no fun for anyone.”

He got down on the bench and showed me, then he spotted me while I repeated the action. A couple more adjustments and he was right... I could really fell it hitting my pecs.

“Thanks bro,” I said, bumping my fist against his. “Really appreciate you helping me figure this stuff out.”

“Hey, we’ve all been there, right?” Parker grinned. “Besides, I see you’re pushing hard... I like guys that do the work.”

I glanced over in the mirror and saw my chest all pumped up. Sure, I was surrounded by bigger guys, but you’ve got to be proud of who you are.

“You wanna work out together sometime?” I asked. I don’t know where I got the courage, but the words just sort of flowed out naturally. Parker grinned and we picked a time – six days a week at 6 AM. I’d been jumping out of bed full of energy, so that definitely fit my new schedule.

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

“I can’t believe how much you’re working out,” Jack said. We were out for supper at this cool little restaurant near our place. They make some really great stuff, and it’s packed with protein. I’m trying to get in a full gram for each pound of my body mass. It’s the only way to grow, right?

“Yeah?” I said, shovelling food into my mouth. In the two months since I started working out, my appetite’s gone up a thousand percent. “I mean, I wanna look good, right bro?”

“Yeah, but –“

“Bro,” I grinned. I raised up one bicep and gave a flex. I was so proud of the sharp peak it gave – my newbie gains were really paying off. I was wearing my favourite t-shirt – the one with the sleeves torn off – and I loved the way it showed off my shoulders.

“Okay,” Jack smirked. “I mean... if you’re happy doing the work, I certainly don’t mind the results.”

“You’re not too lonely?” I asked. “I know this takes a lot of my time.”

I wasn’t just working out in the morning. Between eating, sleeping, and lifting enough to grow, Jack and I barely saw each other. We hadn’t had sex in months. The gym was snowballing, taking over my life... and honestly I didn’t mind. It was a hell of a lot better than watching Netflix and bitching about work.

“Don’t worry about me,” Jack said reassuringly. “I’ve been hanging out with friends a lot. And I’ve got my own hobbies too – you just focus on being a sexy muscle beast.”

I grinend. Yeah, that’s where I was headed.

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

I burst into the house. I’m such a bundle of energy since I started the gym, I just can’t help it bro.

“Hey, ‘sup boys,” I said, heading for the fridge. Time to get some calories in. I’d been working for almost six months and my body was growing fast. “Watchin’ anything fun?”

Jack and his new buddy Ben were on the couch, staring at some dumb show with spaceships. At least there was a guy with nice pecs on screen, shooting a gun at some aliens or whatever.

“Not really,” Ben laughed. “Just binging on this new series. Are you into science fiction?”

“Nah, not my thing brah,” I laughed, landing heavily on the couch beside Jack. Damn he smelled good... I leaned in and kissed his neck. “I’m more of an action guy, y’know? Those guys are hella goals.”

I flexed my bis at them, just so those fuckers knew I could keep up. You’ve got to be proud of who you are!

“Yeah, Jack said you’ve been hitting the gym a lot,” Ben said with a smile. “Good for you!”

“You should come sometime,” I said, reaching over and tapping on his puny chest. “Make a man outta you.”

“Are you staying home tonight?” Jack asked. “Ben and I were just gonna hang out, but if you’re here maybe we watch a movie?”

“Nah bro, do your golden girls marathon or whatever,” I laughed. “Parker and I are gonna hit up the club and dance. Gotta show off the bod, y’know? You wanna come?”

“I think maybe we’ll stick with our plans,” Jack said, glancing over at Ben. “Enjoy yourself!”

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

A couple weeks later Parker and I were doing deadlifts. I’m pretty much caught up with him, just a plate behind. Pretty soon he’s gonna be looking at my taillights.

“I’ve got to admit, you’re really doing great,” Parker gushed at me.

“Thanks bro,” I beamed. “You gotta be proud of who you are!”

Parker stopped chalking up and stared at me.

“What did you say?” he asked.

“What? I said thanks.”

“Hey dude... uh, weird question,” Parker said. He was giving me the strangest look.

“Yeah, shoot.”

“Are you like... into... files?” he asked.

“Huh?”

“Like... hypnosis files,” Parker said slowly. “For the gym.”

“Nah bro,” I laughed. “My boyfriend’s into that shit. But like... kinky, y’know?”

“Huh... okay,” Parker said slowly.

You can always tell when he’s thinking hard. My bro’s super smart, but sometimes you gotta watch the gears turn.

“I’ve gotta ask then... uh... Coffee. Lamp. Tree.”

The three words hit me like a lightning bolt. I stood straight up, like I was in the military or some shit. Words spilled out of me – I didn’t know where they were coming from.

“Debug mode,” I said automatically.

“Version info?” Parker asked.

“Alpha Jock 1.0.7 by Parker Grayson,” I said. I didn’t know what the words meant, but I knew exactly what to say.

“Okay...” Parker said, looking suddenly worried. “Release.”

The lightning passed. I relaxed my body and shook my head hard.

“Bro... what was that?” I asked.

“I uh... I think your boyfriend is using hypnosis files on you,” Parker said. “I know cause... well, I wrote the file. I embedded a couple debug triggers and.... well, you responded to them.”

I went from zero to sixty in nothing flat.

“Seriously?” I raged. “He’s such a little bitch.”

“Do you want me to... there’s a reset,” Parker explained. “I could say the right words, strip it away, and you’d turn back into... well, whoever you were before the files.”

I didn’t even consider it.

“Fuck that,” I laughed. “I’m strong now bro. I’m a fuckin’ alpha – and I’m never gonna give that up.”

“Okay.”

“But the bitch is gonna pay somehow...” I seethed. “And you’re gonna help me out.”

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

I texted Jack and told him I was gonna eat at Parker’s. That’s not that weird – sometimes we just watch a movie and focus on the calories. Besides, Jack never minds, he’s always happy to spend some time at home reading a book or inviting Ben over for a movie night.

And don’t get me wrong – we made sure we got our protein. But instead of the movie, Parker and I argued for a couple hours.

“Yeah,” Parker said. “I could make a custom file for Jack, but I’ve never... I’ve only ever made files for people who know they’re getting ‘em, y’know?”

“I get that,” I said with annoyance. “But the bitch reprogrammed me... it’s only fair he gets the same treatment. Besides, this won’t hurt him or nothin’. It’s just gonna make sure he knows his place around an alpha like me.”

“Oh yeah?” Parker said, raising a single eyebrow.

“Like... dude’s always blowing me off when I wanna get laid. This file’s gonna turn him into my eager bottom boy, y’know? A real beta who can’t resist worshipping me – when I want, where I want, how I want. And bro, we’re gonna make him love it! We’re gonna make him obsessed with me! The real question is... how do I get him to listen, right? I wear earbuds to bed, but Jack sleeps acoustic.”

“Oh... well, that’s kinda easy,” Parker admitted. “I mean... I might be a gymbro, but I’m also a genius. Check this out.”

He walked over to his desk and pulled something out of the drawer. A round white thing that kind of looked like a computer speaker crossed with a frisbee.

“It’s an ultrasonic speaker,” Parker explained. “It plays sound just outside the range of human conscious hearing, but it should still work to influence Jack. The range is really low – if you stick it under the bed, he’ll be able to hear it in bed, but not much farther.”

“No worries there,” I laughed. “Not like I wanna accidentally program my bros, y’know? Come over to watch the game, end up worshiping my cock...”

I chuckled, but honestly... I didn’t hate that idea either.

“For sure,” Parker agreed. “And we can setup the file so you’re excluded. We don’t want to accidentally zap you into a beta. Even if you hear it, you’ll be fine.”

“Cool,” I grinned.

“It’s not gonna be overnight,” Parker warned. “It could take a year or so before it totally works. That’s a downside to this speaker tech... but you’ll notice him repeating phrases pretty quick. Hardcore programming just takes time.”

“No worries,” I said. “I’m running the marathon bro.”

Parker bit his lip and thought for a long minute.

“Okay,” he said slowly. “Now, let’s talk about specifics...”

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

Jack was in bed when I got home. He was still there when I left for the gym. I didn’t get a chance to plant the speaker until after work.

Ben and Jack were watching a movie when I got home.

“Hey Leo,” Jack said. “Good day?”

“Yeah bro,” I grinned. It was about to get a whole lot better. “I’m gonna change, and then you wanna go out for supper or something?”

“Uh, sure,” Jack said, glancing at the TV.

I went into the bedroom and moved the bed quietly. They had the volume up pretty loud, so I managed to get the speaker installed without setting off any alarms. We’ve got a plug under there, so it had lots of power and it was totally hidden. I clicked it on – I couldn’t hear a thing, but Parker said I wouldn’t.

I decided to dress up a little. After all, today was Jack’s new birthday, even if he didn’t know it. I put on a pair of ass hugging slacks and a nice dress shirt that really shows off my chest. Three buttons down and a gold chain to highlight. Man... between the last eight months at the gym and buying clothes that actually fit... I was a good lookin’ guy.

“Two minutes,” I said with a charming grin, stepping through the front room. “Ben, you wanna come? You’re always welcome.”

“Uh, thanks, but I’d better go – enjoy!” Ben stammered. He’s always so nervous. I’m glad I’m not some pencil necked geek anymore. Being a gymrat’s so much hotter.

I gave my beard a quick trim and fixed my hair.

“Okay, let’s go babe,” I called.

I couldn’t stop thinking about the new file all through supper. It was making me horny as hell – but of course, Jack begged off and went to bed when we got home.

No worries, I thought. He needs his sleep if he’s gonna learn his lessons.

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

A couple months later I was stretching with Parker at the gym. Whatever rage I felt over Jack was long gone – I like who I am, and Jack’s gonna pay the piper soon enough.

“Noticed any results yet?” Parker asked. “With Jack’s uh... thing?”

It’s cute. He’s scared to talk about it in public, like anyone’s even gonna understand.

“Little things,” I shrugged. “Like a couple days ago, Jack was telling me how big and broad my shoulders are.”

“Awesome bro,” Parker grinned. “That was one of the suggestions.”

“Yeah,” I chuckled. “I was there bro. Anyway, I think it’s starting to sink in.”

“Cool,” Parker nodded. “Hey, you wanna grab a beer before you head home?”

Yeah, I knew what he wanted. If you were my gym buddy, you’d want it too.

“Nah,” I shrugged. “I’ve got a new recipe I wanna cook. Gonna head home a little early, surprise Jack with supper. It’s been a while since we did date night, y’know?”

“Suit yourself,” Parker grinned. “But just so you know... there’s lotsa guys who wanna worship you. Jack’ll get there, but in the meantime...?”

I laughed out loud. I think I scared the girl on the yoga mat.

“Sorry bro,” I said. “I mean, yeah, I’m horny as hell, but I’m loyal. Alphas gotta have integrity, you know?”

“Fair enough,” Parker sighed. “Go. Cook. Be a good boyfriend.”

After a quick shower I was on my way.

It was a sunny spring day. Parker and I got a really good pump, and there’s nothing like a good pump to put me in a good mood. I stopped by the store and picked a few things up, then tugged off my shirt to work on my tan. I really love the way a backpack looks on a bare chest, squeezing my pecs just a little and making them look even plumper.

And I like the way people stare when I walk past. Of course they’re gonna stare. Have you seen me? Bro, I’m fuckin’ hot.

“Hey Jack,” I called out, walking in the front door. “I’m home.”

I guess he wasn’t home from work yet, but... there was a weird sound coming from the bedroom. What was that?

I opened the door and my eyes bulged. I could hear my blood pounding in my ears. I could feel that vein stand up on my neck – you know the one.

Jack was naked in bed with Ben. They were both scrambling for clothes.

I pretty much always know what to say, but I didn’t have a clue this time. I just stood there, my hand still on the doorknob as Jack’s eye’s made contact with mine. They were big and guilty – I don’t know how I missed it before.

We all froze for ten seconds. A million years. Who the fuck knows.

“Um... hi?” Ben said in that timid little voice. That broke the ice.

“WHAT THE FUCK!” I bellowed. You probably heard it. People two states over heard it.

“Shit!” Jack gulped. “It was... it was just... we got drunk and... it’s just this one time...” he stuttered. Finally he gave up trying to make sense and said the first thing that came to his mind. “Your pecs are so fuckin’ juicy bro!”

Straight from the file. Great, like now’s the time to get me hard.

“Yeah...” Ben chimed in. “Your shoulders are so big and broad!”

Another line from the file. Coming out of Ben’s mouth. The pieces snapped together like a puzzle.

“Fuck dude,” I said, shaking my head. “How long have you spent in our bed?”

Ben didn’t say anything. He looked at Jack for an answer.

“Whatever guys,” I stormed. “I’m done. We’re done. Fuck you.”

I spun around and tossed my house keys on the kitchen counter. I wouldn’t need those again.

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

My fist pounded on Parker’s door. I was on autopilot. He opened the door and took in my expression – I don’t know what he saw, but he spoke carefully.

“Hey,” he said, sounding concerned. “What’s up bro?”

“Bad news,” I snapped, plowing past him and into the apartment. “That bitch Jack was cheating on me with his buddy Ben. Good news – I’m down to plow your ass HARD.”

“Whoa, hey... cool your jets man,” Parker said. “Yeah, you can fuck me as many times as you want – but do it cause you want my ass, not cause you want to hurt Jack, okay?”

I glared at him. Fucker had a point, but I was too angry to admit it.

He guided me over to his couch and sat me down.

“In the meantime, let’s have a drink. I want you to tell me anything you wanna say. We can talk about Jack and Ben and you, or we can just talk about last nights game. Anything goes, okay? But you need to calm the fuck down.”

A tumbler of scotch appeared in my hand. Parker sat down a safe distance away – far enough that his smell wasn’t driving me crazy – and listened to me talk about Jack. How we met in college and got along instantly. The way he used to take out the garbage and he never put in a new bag. His habit of chewing so loud I needed to turn on subtitles.

After one scotch I’d calmed down. After two I was crying in Parker’s arms.

Parker put our glasses down and held me. My body was shaking and I felt like I couldn’t breathe.

He didn’t say a word – he just wrapped me in his strong arms and let me sob it out.

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

I woke up in Parker’s bed. I didn’t really remember getting there, but sometime after the booze and the crying we must have crawled between the sheets. I was wrapped tightly in his arms, safe and protected.

He noticed me stirring and loosened his grip.

“Hey,” he said softly. “How are you doing?”

“Better,” I said, turning to face him. He was only an inch or two away. It’s funny, I’ve spent plenty of time naked in the shower or with my face two inches from his junk at the bench press, but this was the first time I felt intimacy. “Not good, but... better.”

He shut up and hung with me.

“Hey bro... thanks for being there last night,” I finally said.

“Anytime,” he said with a smile. God, he was so perfect, lying there in a sunbeam and listening. Jack and me... yeah, we had stuff in common, but we’d really grown apart, y’know? I get why he’d gone to Ben – though he shoulda had the decency to break up with me first. Parker was everything I wanted in a man... smart, kind, hot as hell.

“You uh... wanna be here for me now?” I asked. I ran my hand down the sheets and held them tight against me, showing off the outline of my morning wood.

Parker smirked and sank under the covers, moving his muscular body over mine until his lips were wrapped around my cock. I watched his body rise and fall under the sheets as he took in my musky scent. His tongue slowly explored my cock, he was taking his time and appreciating my body.

That’s what it’s like to be an alpha. I breathed deeply and let myself relax back into my pillow. Under the sheets he moved with a steady rhythm, gentle suction and smooth strokes were making my cock go wild.

After a few minutes I could barely stand it. I pulled him off my and flipped him over. The sheets were a tangled mess, but I didn’t care.

“Where’s your lube?” I whispered in his ear. He could feel my cock tickling his hole. Parker could barely stop himself from ramming his ass onto my pole dry.

“In the night stand,” he gasped. “Top drawer.”

I squeezed a big gob onto my cock and another one into his ass. I teased him with my finger for a minute or two, making sure he was good and ready. His hole stretched easily – I wasn’t his first, but damn, I was gonna be his best.

He moaned like a beta when I plunged inside him.

“Yeah, you like that?” I grinned. I was propped up over him, easing myself into his ass with a slow pushup. He gasped in response, unable to form words. Soon I was pounding out reps. That’s the thing about fucking with a gymrat – We’ve got the muscle.

I loved the way his glutes squeezed my cock tight every time I thrust inside. This was how it’s supposed to be – two hot guys, fucking like beasts. Sweat dripping down our bodies and animalistic grunts echoing through the room.

My balls tightened.

“I’m gonna...” I gasped, reaching for words. “I’m gonna...”

“Cum inside me,” Parker begged. So I flooded his hole with hot cum, pump after pump of it until it started leaking out around my cock. I’d been pent up for so long... the release was a revelation.

I collapsed next to him. What a sweaty mess.

Parker rolled to kiss me. He pressed his lips against mine, tasting my body and loving every moment of it.

“I could worship you forever...” he panted.

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

The next two years flew by. I moved in with Parker and left my old life behind. I didn’t even go back to pick up my stuff from Jack. For a while he tried texting me, but I blocked him and moved on.

Parker made me a special enhanced version of my alpha jock file. Alpha Jock, version two point oh. We talked it over, and I decided to go all the way. Jack wasn’t wrong. I deserved to be The Lion.

For the past two years I’ve been pushing towards my ideal form. Parker and I started taking roids together, cycling them and pushing past our natural limits. We work out everyday, going hard in the gym and harder in the bedroom. I even grew out my hair, letting my wavy mane flow past my shoulders and down to my pecs.

I quit my dumb job and trained up as a bartender – and you better believe I get hella tips. A pair of tight jeans and a tee cut into a tank are all I need. Men, women, enbys, they all cluster around my station and stare as I mix their booze. The other bartenders hate it, but I don’t care... you gotta be proud of who you are.

I loved every minute of it. Each morning, after I get home from the bar, I bring Parker coffee. He admires my muscles for a while, then I push inside his ass and make him moan like a bitch. It’s the best way to start the day. He worships me, body and soul, and he doesn’t need a fuckin’ file to do it.

And then we hit the gym. Cause we’re just a couple beasts bro, and we gotta do the work.

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

I stalked up the street. Heavy steps. Relaxed shoulders. Muscle, power, and confidence all rolled into one. It was dusk. I was a predator. And I was hunting my prey.

People stepped out of my way. Nobody blocks The Lion.

Jack answered when I knocked. He was wearing one of my old t-shirts – it was pathetically big on him, but I know he worships me. He was trying to feel some connection.

“Oh my god...” Jack gushed, staring at my tan body. “Your shoulders are like... so big and wide. And your chest is just... your pecs are so fuckin’ juicy bro.”

Did I mention I was shirtless? Just a pair of gym shorts and some Converse. It’s a powerful look.

“Who is it?” Ben called from the other room. I saw him poke his head around the corner and watched his eyes go wide. “Oh wow!” he said. “You’re like... a total god. Can I worship your biceps? I wanna worship your biceps!”

Good to see the file was working. He was wearing one of my old shirts too.

“Hey guys,” I said smugly. “Just came by to see how you’re doin’.”

Jack opened his mouth to answer but I just kept going.

“Wanted to show you, I’m a total lion now.”

“Yeah,” Jack said, nodding eagerly. Ben was staring at me with his mouth open. I could tell he wanted me bad.

‘And you’re just prey, isn’t that right?” I asked.

“Yeah Leo... we’re like... wow...” Ben gasped.

“We’re like... totally worthless next to you,” Jack agreed easily.

“And I could have your ass whenever I want,” I grinned. “However I want.”

“Please fuck us...” Jack begged. He stole a glance at Ben – he was nodding frantically too.

“You know what?” I smirked. “I’m gonna pass.”

I turned and walked into the night.

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

Hey guys - here's the second story for October.  Now I'm off to polish up the next Catch of the Day!  Please, let me know what you think in the comments, this one's a little different for me and I'm curious if you liked it. -Derek