Chrysalis Part 2-Chapter 13
This story is about a young man's quest to fix a major birth defect--he was born without a penis. On his quest he meets his soul mate and many other soon to be friends.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and events are the product of the author's imagination, or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to any real person is coincidental.
The story depicts procedures and practices common for gender reassignment; however, this story does not claim to be a medical treatise, and information is primarily for the purpose of the story and not medical advice. This story is written for adults with adult themes. If you are underage or live in a location where references to gay relationships or transgender people is forbidden, please log out of the story or move.
This work is copyrighted by Boethiuscell@gmail.com © 2023
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Chapter 13--The X-Project
Chris had breakfast alone, well almost alone. Tom had meetings early and Juan was at school, but Stella took up their usual seats. She was bubbling about Benjie's afternoon with Chris the previous day. She effused about how this really was helping Benjie find a wider world. That his parents were good hard-working people that loved their son but whose lives were limited. They lived in the same apartment building Stella and her brother grew up in. They moved into the building twenty-five years ago and never felt the need to leave. They never traveled more than twenty block from their home, nor ever found the need to. Stella shook her head when she proclaimed that they were limited. Benjie was too smart and open to grow up in their limits. That is one reason he worked at the deli. True Stella and Stan needed the help, but it was more that it exposed Benjie to a wider world, helped his people skills and diversified his outlook on life. Yesterday, she explained, Benjie came back starry-eyed, not just over meeting some rap guy, but to a world he saw that he could be part of, a world beyond just twenty blocks. Benjie saw a future.
Chris just smiled as Stella bubbled with enthusiasm, a whistling teakettle happily singing. He said that taking Benjie was fun. He enjoyed Benjie's company and wanted to do more. Stella slid out from the booth, smoothed her bold floral dress and forced Chris to stand where she gave him a huge hug. Alone, he checked text messages.
Helga: Just checking to be sure you remember to be at Silent Models at 10. Tom has early meetings at Macy's; said he would see you tonight. Seems he feels the need to make amends. Does he?
Chris: I will be early at Silent Models. It's an important assignment, I do not want to screw it up. Tom and Toby split yesterday. Sure, Tom told you the details. He sent me a dozen yellow roses. I greatly appreciate the confidence you and Stu have in me.
Helga: I have 2 appointments for your Friday 9 am physician for reassignment and 3 pm fertility specialist. Will email details.
Brittney: Hey bro antsy to C U in month. Teach wnts 2 meet U. Hot [Flames emoji]
Chris: CNT wait either. Free time 4 us. Gallery opening?
Ariel: I received your pictures of Slim Clinton's work. I like what I see. Also, the caterer's sound edgy enough. Will be in town 24th. Can you arrange a meeting with both. I knew if I asked you would find what I need. It is who you are. You attract quality. Tom still being an ass? LOL. See you soon, Love you. Ariel
Chris: Tom just kicked Toby's ass out so will see. Can't wait until 24th and will arrange meetings. Love U, C
Ariel: Bout time
Chris smiled at the text from Ariel and then shoved his phone into a jacket pocket. Before leaving he kissed Stella bye, and she wished him luck.
Chris arrived at Silent Models at 9:45, five minutes later than he planned because he helped a tourist on the subway. He checked in with the receptionist and took a seat. Three other men were seated rigidly around the room, keeping ample chairs between them, consciously ignored each other by either playing on phones or reading on a tablet. Chris gave a gracious smile to each as he was confronted with stares that were neither hostile, nor curious, nor friendly. Chris sat and pulled out his Kindle, but this was a screen to hide his assessment of the other men in the room.
First was the tall, thin and elegant black man. He was wearing a dark grey Armani suit with pale rose shirt combined with a bold patterned tie of rose, greys, blues and yellows. He was definitely the oldest here. Chris noted in his tablet--mid-fifties, though it was obvious the he took good care of himself. His thinness was because of exercise. He sat comfortable and confident in his chair, reading a GQ. His reading was focused because his eyes never flitted from the page.
A couple of seats away from him was a true muscle man in tight jeans and a tight T-shirt. Blond hair, cut short, topped a squarish face with the angles of chiseled rock. Chris wrote down he was in his thirties. Chris suppressed a smile as he watched the man methodically flex each muscle of his arms and chest. He gave Chris a caught--you-admiring-me smile when he noticed Chris's gaze.
Two chairs from muscle man sat the opposite--a scally boy. Chris imaged his skateboard under his chair. A backward cap hid his hair. He was short, possibly Hispanic, and thin. His face was soft and angelic holding intense brown-black eyes that were fixed on his cellphone, fingers flying over its surface in a game. He wore a graphic T under a grey hoodie. His jeans, expensively ripped, were loose, almost baggy. Chris snickered at the skate shoes in orange and green with fuchsia laces. The riot of color on a mostly grey body.
Chris pulled up his Guzman story when Zack flounced in wearing pink and green skinny jeans with a green silk shirt. That boy is not afraid of color, Chris eyed him appreciatively. Zack checked in with the receptionist, turned and saw Chris.
"Hey man, how they hanging," he screeched and ran toward Chris for a hug. Chris rose, but almost wished he hadn't because he was almost pushed back into the chair by the enthusiasm of Zack's embrace.
"Good to see you again Zack. You're in a grand mood." Chris smiled at Zack, who was a vibrating violin string.
"Yea, man. Spent yesterday with Juan." Chris raised an eyebrow in question. "Met the brothers. Whom I dazzled needless to say. Then Juan and I went to the movies, diner, and my place." Zack stopped to appraise Chris's face for reaction.
Chris smirked, his whole face light up with pleasure for his friends. "And?"
"Nope we didn't. We both want to take it slower. I do not think Juan is just a one-nighter--a quick but pleasant fuck. I really, really like him. He is sweet, and kind and sexy. Did I say very sexy. We kissed" Zack sank back into the chair lost to this world. Zack smile conspiratorially, "We did a lot of kissing, and then he went home." Zack give Chris a frustrated grimace. "He texted me this morning." Zack held out his phone for Chris to read; Chris blushed. "We both want a second date but scheduling is difficult because Juan has his project for your deli and finals quickly approaching, and I don't know what this gig involves." Zack deflated like an old birthday balloon. "But we are going to Skype tonight."
"I am very happy for both of you. I hope this goes beyond just Skype."
"It better because my dick is way beyond Skype." Zack laughed loudly, which cause a ripple of looks from the other men. "Thank you for hooking us up."
"I was happy to. You guys feel right for each other."
"At first, I must admit, I was jealous. I thought you wanted Juan for yourself. But you are really cool and a good friend."
"Thanks," Chris blushed a little, "I really like Juan. He is a good friend. We are..."
Chris did not finish because Cynthia interrupted. "Good morning gentlemen. I see." She looked around the room. "We are all mostly here." The door to the waiting room blew open and a man from the cover of romance novels sauntered in, looked around and sat. He shook his head causing ripples in his long black silky hair. "Katil, you are expected to be here before 10." Cynthia was clearly annoyed. Katil gave her a dismissive look. Cynthia looked at everyone in the room. "Each of you was selected because you bring a unique look to this project, but, let me make this perfectly clear, none of you are indispensable and cannot be replaced." She paused looking at each man, linger a little longer on Katil. "If you will follow me, we will start with doing standard paperwork." Cynthia led them to a conference room where Chris had met with the Garment District Association Board.
"Please take a seat, gentleman," Chris and Zack sat next to each other. "You will each receive a packet containing paperwork for this project. It includes specifics on you contract, a non-disclosure agreement, some general information on the project and working conditions. Each of you have different packets because some of you are on loan from other agencies, which control fees and other conditions of employment." A young man in dress trousers and dress shirt and tie passed our folders, checking names and pictures on the folder first. "Please go through your packet and sign the Terms and Conditions and the non-disclosure. Those should be the top three items on the right side." Cynthia waited until all the signatures were complete, then the assistant gathered each, checking each signature. He took the documents and slid them into a folder he had at his side.
"Let me again welcome each of you to the X-Project. I cannot tell you how excited we are about the project and the new direction male fashion may go. Our client is designing an edgy collection for men from fragrances to formal wear. You, gentlemen, are the test group and eventually some of you will be the spokespeople for the collection. Each of you was chosen because you represent a certain demographic that the designer wants to explore as his market niche. The X-Project is scheduled to last five weeks and some possible post-production assignments.
You will meet here Monday through Friday at 10:00 AM sharp. This will be through May 2nd." She gave a quick look around the room. "Most of the work will be done here at our studious, but there could be outside work in the New York area." Cynthia went on for another 20 minutes about confidentiality and how important the project was. Cynthia caught Chris winking at Zack as she went over again that this was a full range fashion project. She sputtered to a stop. "Let me introduce the team you will be working with, and then we will do introductions of each other. We will break for lunch, which will be here, and after lunch we will start the real work." Everyone looked at her relieved that the meeting was finally moving forward.
A man and a woman entered the conference room and stood on either side of Cynthia. "This is Dorn, he is the artistic director. He will be determining the feel and look of all photoshoots and publicity." Dorn was so flaming gay that if there had been candles in the room they all would spontaneously light.
He was wearing a light blue silk shirt, open two buttons exposing a shaved chest, and skinny jeans of bright peacock blue. His hands fluttered as he said, "Charmed to meet each of you. I look forward to a collaborative effort as long as you do what I say." He paused and looked around the room until he reached Chris and Zack. "Oh, hons, aren't you just too precious." He fanned himself with his fingers. This earned glares from the rest of the men. "Just too precious, my ingénues, I have some special things planned for you." He smiled and looked at Cynthia, who merely nodded. "I will be in charge of all artistic aspects of this project. Do not cross me unless you want the wrath of an old queen." He gasped at what he just said, "Not old, heavens never old," hands fluttered, "Well maintained not old, but I still can be your worst bitch." The glare in his eyes as he stared down each of the men made his position clear.
"Thank you Dorn," Cynthia smiled at the cowed group, "The other important person is Sledge." Sledge was a woman of about fifty. She was short, under 5' 5', thin and wiry. She struck Chris as veteran combat photographer.
"Gentlemen," Her voice was firm and low, "all I need to say is you want to look good, don't cross me." That elicited a chuckle from the older black man. She stepped back surprising everyone that she did not say more.
"Now to introduce yourselves and a little about your experience." Cynthia point to her immediate to the black gentleman.
"I am Arthur Dent. I have worked for Silent Models for over ten years." He looked at Cynthia for confirmation. "I have modeled since I was 14 which was." He smiled a pause, "Before some of you were born. You may call me Art"
"Boris, Boris Slovic," said the pale blond body builder, "I model for Men's Health and athletic wear. Doing it for 8 years."
The person sitting next to Boris stood and swayed his head, like a model in a Pantene commercial. His long black hair moved and shimmered like silk sheets ready for the bed. He was wearing a white romantic shirt, unbuttoned to just above the navel and black leather pants so tight that Chris knew he was circumcised. "I'm Katel," He gave an ingratiating smile around the room as he preened, "Just Katel, with this body I don't need a last name. I model romance novel covers, gay and straight. I'm bi, if you interest me." He sat with a flourish worthy of a Restoration play.
Crossing to the other side of the table sat the Hispanic kid. He looked at Katil with disbelief, which earn him an appreciative nod from Katil. "I'm Boyd Rivera, I've been modeling for two years, mostly sportswear and chonies," Most of the men stared blank at the last word. "not sure what the proper word is?" he signed.
"Underwear," Chris volunteered.
"Si, yes, underwear, sports underwear." He smiled and turned to Zack.
"I'm Zack Duncan, Nice to meet everyone. "I'm a dancer with the New York City Ballet. No modeling just jetés."
"Hi everyone, I look forward to working with each of you. I'm Chris Wentworth, and I've been modeling for two weeks." He smiled weakly at everyone.
"Shit, I'm working with two pups who don't know a thing," Katil voice loudly. "They're going to make me look like crap."
"Katil," Cynthia said harshly, "If you do not want to work with the team I have handpicked for this project, you may leave know." The cold glare she gave Katil could have frozen the Jupiter in its path.
Katil looked around the room but did not find any other sympathetic faces, so he groused, "You're the boss, your project."
"You are 100 per cent right, Katil. I am the boss, and I can replace any of you for any reason. Read your contracts." Cynthia's administrative assistant came into the room and whispered in Cynthia's ear and left. "Lunch is here," Cynthia smiled all warm and shiny.
Lunch was good but nothing special, salads, sandwiches, and a gooey chocolate brownie, which most of the guys left on the plate--weight issues. After lunch, they were directed to a large empty room with a stack of binders and a photo screen at the end. Cynthia gathered everyone's attention and the stood around her. "The binders give a little history, with photos of each of you. I want you to take the next 30 minutes and study them. At the end of the thirty minutes, there will be a test." That caused grumbles from Katel and Boyd. Since there were no chairs in the room, everyone sat on the floor. Zack sat next to Chris and Boyd joined them forming a triangle. Cynthia, Sledge and Dorn left the room, but Chris suspected that there were several cameras on the room.
"Sorry, that I sit here," Boyd said sheepishly, "but mine English is sour and maybe you help me?"
Zack made a little more room so Boyd would feel more comfortable. "Chris's English is good, but I'm nervous too. This is Chris's first time doing any modeling. I mean, I posed for a boyfriend, who was a photographer, but those photos are." Zack paused to look at Chris, "aren't publishable, if you know what I mean."
"Si, yes," Boyd put a hand on Zack's knee, "chonies, underwear people liked me skinny too."
"We can study the photos together and pool our learning." Chris opened the binder and saw a photo of one of the other guys and a quick bio. It included basics of height, weight, age, hair and eye color. And then some personal information about favorite color, food, last city lived in. More interesting was a quote from the person.
Most of the photos were standard head shots except Zack and Chris's. Zack's was of him in leotards and shirtless holding a ballerina above his head. His stance was firm and steady while she seemed to fly above him.
Boyd ran a finger over the Zack's bulge in his tights. "Buen gallo, good." Zack blushed and Chris chuckled.
Chris's photo was the last in the binder. It was of him in his leather outfit. Zack's eyes widened and Boyd inhaled so hard he chocked. "Yeh, me. Gorky is a great photographer. It's all in the lighting. Right Boyd?" Chris asked.
"Lighting is good, but no lights make a great face. muy caluroso, very hot very, very." Boyd cocked his head at Chris, "¿Tienes novio?"
"No," Chris smiled back as Boyd moved a little closer to Chris.
Zach new the translation without knowing Spanish and patted Chris's knee. "Hell being so cute and single."
Chris hemmed deep in his throat. "We need to learn these. We can take them out of the binder and sort as needed. Let's start by height." Suddenly they were laughing and having a good time while going from photo to the physical person in the room. Chris noticed that everyone else sat by himself feverously reading. He caught Katel's face when he must have been on his photo because Katel glanced up at Chris, just then, and turned red. Chris gave a friendly smile.
"Gentlemen, your time is up." Cynthia's voice cut through Chris, Zack and Boyd's laughter. "The purpose of this exercise was to help you get to know your co-workers. How many of you feel you know all the people around you?" Every hand went up except Chris, Zack, and Boyd, who started to raise his and dropped it. Cynthia laughed a "we will see." She motioned everyone to move closer and collected the binders.
"Art, who is taller, Boyd or you?"
"Obviously, me," he smiled.
"By how much?"
Art choked a little, "I would say me by about six inches."
"About, not precisely?"
"Boyd is 5' 7" and I am 6' 3" so that would be 8 inches. So, I'm a little off. Why is it important?"
"If I have a photoshoot with you and Boyd, do you not think the photographer needs to know."
"That's the photographer's job to know, not mine."
"I'm surprised," interjected Sledge, "You said you have been modeling for over twenty years." Art nodded. "And you don't care how you look next too another person?"
Cynthia turned her attention from Art to Boris. "How many of your co-workers share the same favorite color and what is it?"
Boris stuttered, counting on his fingers, "Three and red."
"Good try." She turned, "Boyd, same questions"
A look of panic came across his face, making Boris feel smug. "Dos, two, azul, blue." He waited for Cynthia to reply.
"Very good Boyd," she smiled. "Can anyone tell me which of you said, "I look best naked." Four hands went up. Zack, Boyd, Chris and Katel. "Zack." He responded quickly, "Katel" She smiled at Katel, "I'm pleased you recognized your own quote."
"Who here knows something personal about another member of the group that was not on the sheet?" Cynthia said smugly. Of course, Chris, Zack and Boyd's hands went up. "Chris can you same something about Boyd that is not on the sheet?"
Chris gave Boyd a wink, "Boyd pretends that his English is poor as a way to feel out people's intentions." Boyd blushed, but grinned at Chris.
"That's cheating," declared Boris with Katel agreeing. Art was quiet watching.
"I never said you could not work together." Cynthia placidly said. "In fact, I said the exercise was to help you learn about each other. They did just that by talking to each other. I expect a team, and a team is not made by sitting in isolation. You have fifteen minutes to learn one thing about everyone else in this room that is not on the sheet. If you do not, you are off the project." It was suddenly a flock of chickens scrambling for a few pieces of corn.
Cynthia, walked over to were Sledge and Dorn were leaning against the wall. "You are evil," Sledge said with a smile.
"My point was made."
"I think the two newbies, may teach the old dogs new tricks." Dorn laughed and then did Sledge and Cynthia.
"Times up boys. Front and center." Cynthia walked casually to the center of the room.
Boris spoke up, "I have tasty tidbits that are not on the sheet." He was like a kid that found a shiny penny.
"Thank you Boris, but my point was made. You will be working closely together. I need you in sync with each other. The rest of the afternoon will be test photos." Cynthia left the room to Dorn and Sledge.
"Okay, boys line up by height pronto." Sledge yelled, a voice that shifted dust from the rafters. "This is how it will work. Each of you will have single shots then pairs, then trios, and then group. Boyd, since you are first. When I say the next in line will come up and pose with Boyd until the line is done. Then Boris, you will have your singles and then each boy behind you will have paired shots. Does every one understand?" So it went: Boyd, Boris, Chris, Zack, Katel, and Art.
When Chris was up being positioned by Sledge, he asked. "Why Sledge?"
"Last name." she grunted, "but I let everyone think its short for sledgehammer. Keeps the recalcitrant on their toes. And I don't allow for any fucking nonsense." Chris laughed, at the same time Sledge snapped a picture. "Now don't go telling anyone," she smiled, "or in every photo you will have a big zit at the end of your nose."
"Lips sealed" Chris took an imaginary key and lock his lips and threw away the key.
"Zack, now." Sledge roared. Zack ran to Chris's side.
Chris returned home exhausted. He threw his clothes on the bed with the intention of hanging later, did a quick shower and poured himself into pajama pants and a T. He had energy to grab a glass of merlot and sunk into his sofa to the sound of Borodin. He was pleased at how the day went and excited about tomorrow. He glanced at his phone and the texts, but did not bother to read them. His salad and brownie were gone, but the freezer and a Swanson seemed too far away to toddle over to pull out.
He was just starting to nod off when he heard a knock on the door and someone entering. "Jesus, Chris, you need to lock your door. You never know what kind of pervert make creep in."
Chris turned and saw it was Tom, "Yeah, like right now?"
Tom laughed, "I walked into that." He went over to the kitchen table and place three large plastic bags on it. "I brought us supper. Know how grueling the first day can be. Chinese, okay?"
Chris laboriously rose from the sofa and wobbled over to Tom. With a big hug said, "You a knight exemplar to bring substance to the hungry and weary."
Tom laughed, "Sit your skinny ass down." Tom pulled out the chair for Chris.
"It smells amazing."
"All authentic, no chow mein," Tom said from the kitchen as he pulled plates and silverware from the cabinets and drawers. "Mind if I pour myself a glass of wine too" Chris just waved a hand and proceeded to empty the bags.
"You have a ton of food. We'll never eat all this."
Tom returned and set the table. "You know what they say about Chinese food. `An hour later you are hungry.'"
Chris grinned at Tom, "What's all here?"
"Don't know all the names, but some pork, chicken, beef and lobster dishes; fried rice and jasmine rice; a dim sum sampler; and cloud pudding for dessert. And two fortune cookies," Tom explained as he handed Chris chopsticks. Chris picked up a fork. "You need to learn how to use chopsticks Chris."
"Why?"
"When you go to Japan or Hong Kong or most places in the Far East, you will not have forks. Besides it is fun."
Chris gave Tom a dubious frown but picked up the chopstick; immediately they went flying across the table. Chris gave Tom a you-made-a-fool-of-me look. Tom picked up the errant sticks, returned them to Chris showing him how to hold them. Tom's stern look reminded Chris of Mr. Frossil, his biology teacher, when he tried to demonstrate to Chris how to dissect a frog. This led to a giggle and then a full laugh that dragged Tom in too. It felt so good to laugh with Tom.
Chris looked at the roses and then Tom. "Thank you for the roses. It is the first time someone has given me roses."
"You deserve roses every day."
"Why?" Chris asked with a blush.
"You are so adorable when your face pinks in embarrassment?"
Chris flushed a little redder, "No, why did you send me the flowers?"
"Didn't you read the card?"
"Yes you're sorry for being a total ass and want to still be friends."
"And I have been. ...A total ass that is."
"You have been a total ass since I met you, so what has changed?" Tom flicked a piece of broccoli at Chris. "And never once did I not consider you a friend."
"I was a total ass, and Ariel and Helga agree, so I have confirmation. When we got to New York and Toby led me to the bedroom with you still standing at the door. That was on many levels high assdom."
"Yeah your cock was in control."
"And then you moved out so fast." Chris gave Tom an even stare, "Yes, I know why--independence. I understand that, but Toby and I hastened the split."
"I was not going to come between you and your boyfriend and your life in New York." There was no rancor in Chris's voice only facts.
"But Toby and I were not a couple."
"He thought so."
"No, he did not, he was using me." Tom put down his chopsticks exhaling several times, "He was using me," Tom repeated softly. "I was such an ass, such a bloody ass." Tom gulped a fist full of wine.
"Yes, you were." Chris gently smiled back.
"Thanks for the confirmation, where is your sympathy, where's throwing yourself at me and saying everything will be better."
"I do not reward stupid behavior. But everything will be better."
"I regret not spending more time with you the first few weeks here. You were alone and defenseless in a new city." Tom took a couple more sips of wine and refilled his glass.
"No, I am very happy that we had that time apart. I have managed very well, made new friends, and am happy with my life. It is the first time since I left home that I felt in control, that I do not need to look over my shoulder, that I do not worry that if someone is kind what it would cost. I feel respected and appreciated for me. None of this would have happened if I were your tag-along."
"Yeah, you are right. And I am very happy for you, but I miss spending time with you. I miss what we had in Chicago."
"I do too, but that was a fluke of circumstances that threw us together more quickly than was wise. We are in New York now--new chapter, new opportunities. I want these opportunities starting with us being friends."
"Yes, I can work with that." Tom smiled to himself, yes this is a start.
"You never told me about what happen with Toby?"
Tom told Chris about the fight, the destruction, the police. Chris reached over and held Tom's hand. "Did Detective Donaldson get ahold of you? He seemed very upset about something he did?"
"Yes, we are okay. We're going to the Met, opera, Wednesday. My mother took me to a couple of operas in Chicago, part of her training me as a socialite. She had visions of me marrying some ultra-rich man." Chris laughed, "Surprise, surprise."
"Who says you can't marry an ultra-rich man." Tom laughed back. "Are you and Detective Donaldson an item?" Tom gently probed.
"No, not at all, just friends. He is really a nice guy and has a great motorcycle."
"Motorcycles turn you on?" Tom eyes gleamed.
"Yeah something big grumbling between my legs is nice, but not as nice as feeling a firm chest when I hang on." Chris returned with a smirk.
Chris caught Tom's glance at the clock. "I have another early day at Macys tomorrow." He said stretching his arms. "Need to get a good night's sleep." He rose, threw the empty containers in the trash, and the remaining food in the refrigerator. At the door, he gave Chris a quick kiss on the check. "Can I come over tomorrow night," then he hastily added, "if you are free?"
"I am free and would love it."
Tom hesitated at the door, but then turned and left, shouting over his shoulder, "Be sure to lock the door."
Chris did all three locks, grabbed his almost empty wine glass, and stretched out on the sofa. Chris smiled into his wine as he sipped. Tom is wearing my ring.