Meeting Joey by buzzcutguy

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Vinny stepped into the bustling gym, looking slightly overwhelmed as he approached the front desk to inquire about a membership. The clanging of weights and the hum of treadmills filled the air, creating an atmosphere both energizing and intimidating. Joey, a towering, muscular ex-Marine with a tight buzzcut and a commanding presence, stood near the squat rack, taking a swig from his water bottle as he noticed Vinny.

Joey’s sharp eyes scanned Vinny, taking in his slight frame and hesitant demeanor. Intrigued, he strolled over, his confident stride turning heads.

"Hey there, bro," Joey said, his deep voice cutting through the gym’s noise. "First time here?"

Vinny turned, slightly startled by the sudden approach. "Uh, yeah. I’m just signing up," he said, offering a small smile. "Trying to get into shape."

Joey grinned, his presence both intimidating and inviting. "Well, you’ve come to the right place. I’m Joey. Been coming here for years. You’re looking to bulk up?"

Vinny nodded, feeling a little self-conscious under Joey’s intense gaze. "Yeah, I guess. Just want to feel more confident, you know?"

Joey putting a hand on Vinny’s shoulder. "I get it, bro. Confidence comes from putting in the work. Stick with it, and you’ll see results. What’s your name?"

"Vinny," he replied, trying to steady his voice.

"Nice to meet you, Vinny," Joey said with a firm handshake. "Tell you what, if you’re serious about this, I’ll show you the ropes. Can’t have you wandering around looking lost."

Vinny laughed nervously. "I’d appreciate that. Thanks."

The two chatted for a while, Joey sharing stories about his time in the Marines and his workout routines. Vinny found himself drawn to Joey’s charisma and the effortless way he commanded respect. By the time Vinny had finished signing up for his membership, it felt like he’d made a new friend.

"Alright, little bro," Joey said as they walked toward the gym’s exit. "We’ll hit it hard tomorrow. Be here at six sharp. No excuses."

Vinny’s eyes widened. "Six in the morning?"

Joey laughed, patting him on the back. "That’s right. Marines don’t sleep in, and neither should you. See you then."

As Joey walked away, Vinny couldn’t help but feel a mix of nervousness and excitement. Tomorrow was the start of something new, and with Joey’s guidance, he was determined to make it count.

The next morning, Joey stood in front of the gym, dressed in workout shorts and a tank top, his arms crossed as he waited. He checked his watch and looked up to see Vinny approaching, looking slightly groggy but eager.

"Hey, Joey," Vinny called out as he got closer.

Joey smiled "Hey, bro. You ready for your first workout with me?"

Vinny straightened up and gave a mock salute. "SIR YES SIR!"

Joey laughed. "Good little bro. Come on, follow me." He led the way into the gym, his hand resting firmly on Vinny’s back.

Once inside, Joey glanced around before turning to Vinny. "Not too many people here today, bro. Just the two of us training. You like that?"

Vinny nodded, looking around at the handful of other gym-goers. They all seemed to have the same muscular build as Joey, exuding a tough, no-nonsense vibe. "Yeah, I love that," Vinny replied, though he couldn’t help but wonder, What kind of gym is this?

Joey, noticing Vinny’s wandering gaze. "Don’t worry about them, bro. They’ll mind their own business while we work out. You got nothing to worry about."

Vinny smiled up at Joey, feeling a little reassured. Joey patted his back again. "Let’s head over to the free weights. You’ll be using those a lot with me."

They walked to the free weights, Joey gesturing to a set of thirty-pound dumbbells. "Alright, little bro, I want you to pick up one of those and feel it in your hands."

Vinny hesitated but did as Joey asked, grabbing the weights and immediately struggling to lift them. His face reddened as he tried to keep them up. "I can’t," he admitted, his voice tinged with embarrassment.

Joey shook his head, smirking. "Aww, are you kidding me? You can’t lift thirty pounds, bro? I thought you were a gym bro."

"I want to be," Vinny replied earnestly.

Joey said. "You want to be a gym bro? Then you gotta get stronger, starting right now." He took the weights from Vinny’s hands and replaced them. "Let’s find something lighter. Try those five-pound weights over there."

Vinny picked up the smaller weights, lifting them with ease. "These are really easy," he said.

Joey laugh loudy. "Yeah, because they’re only five pounds. You couldn’t lift thirty pounds, bro. You’re so weak."

Vinny flushed. "I can definitely go heavier than this."

"Yeah? How heavy can you lift?" Joey asked, crossing his arms.

"Twenty?" Vinny suggested, his voice unsure.

Joey led him to the twenty-pound weights. "Alright, bro, go on then. Lift it."

Vinny grabbed the weights and, to his own surprise, managed to lift them with decent form. Joey raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Not bad, little bro. But you’ve got a long way to go."

Vinny nodded. "I know. I haven’t exercised before, and I kinda forgot to eat before this, so I’m probably a little nervous too."

Joey ruffled Vinny’s hair with a smirk. "Yeah, bro. That means you’ve got a lot of potential. Next time, eat before you work out. I’ll make sure you don’t forget."

Vinny smiled, running a hand through his hair to fix it, a nervous habit he's been doing since he walked in the gym. "Thanks, Joey. I really appreciate that."

Joey noticed the repeated gesture and tilted his head. "Your hair’s in your eyes a lot, bro. You ever think about trimming it?"

Vinny blinked, slightly caught off guard. "I go to a salon every couple of months. Just haven’t had the time lately."

"A salon, huh?" Joey smirked, running a hand through Vinny’s hair. "Well, maybe it’s time for a change, bro. Something shorter, easier to manage."

Vinny looked up at Joey, uncertain. "You think so?"

Joey, ruffling Vinny’s hair again. "Definitely, little bro. A sharp look to match the new you. Don’t look so scared; you’ll look great."

Vinny smiled weakly, unsure but warmed by Joey’s confidence. "yeah, bro." his first time testing out saying bro back, it felt weird but also right.

Joey patted him on the back. "Yeah little bro. Now, let’s stop messing with your hair and get back to work. You ready to push yourself harder?"

Vinny grinned, fired up by Joey’s encouragement. "Yeah bro!"

For the next several hours, Joey pushed Vinny through a rigorous workout, guiding him with patience and firm encouragement. By the end, Vinny was exhausted but filled with a sense of accomplishment, eager for what lay ahead.

After the session, Joey led Vinny into the locker room. "Come on, bro," he said with a mischievous grin. "I’ve got a surprise for you."

Vinny followed, curious but a little apprehensive. Joey guided him to a bench and gestured for him to sit. "Now, stay still," Joey instructed, pulling out a set of clippers from his gym bag.

Vinny’s eyes widened. "Wait, what are you doing?"

"Relax, bro. You said you wanted a change, right? Trust me on this." Joey plugged in the clippers and flicked them on, the hum filling the room.

Joey grinned, noticing Vinny’s mixed expression of curiosity and nervousness as the clippers buzzed in his hands. "Alright, bro, trust me. Sit still, and let me get this s**t done."

Vinny nodded, taking a deep breath as Joey positioned himself behind him. Joey’s hand was firm yet steady as he lifted a thick section of Vinny’s hair. With the first pass of the clippers, a clear strip of short, velvety hair emerged down the center of Vinny’s head.

"Whoa," Vinny muttered under his breath, the sound of the clippers and the sight of his hair falling to the floor sending a strange mix of anxiety and exhilaration through him.

Joey said. "Told you it’d be a change, bro. You’ve got great hair, but this buzzcut—this is the real deal. No more messing around with styling or getting it in your eyes."

As Joey worked, more and more of Vinny’s thick light brown hair, tumbled to the floor. His movements were methodical, ensuring each pass left a perfectly even path. He stepped back occasionally to check his work, rubbing a hand over Vinny’s freshly buzzed scalp to feel the uniformity.

Vinny couldn’t help but shiver at the sensation, his cheeks flushing. "It feels... weird, but good," he admitted, his voice a mix of uncertainty and growing excitement.

Joey smirked. "That’s what I like to hear, bro. You’re starting to feel it, huh? This cut—it’s clean, sharp, and masculine as hell."

Vinny grinned nervously. "Yeah, I think I’m getting it."

Joey finished the last section, ensuring every inch of Vinny’s head was trimmed to a uniform #2 buzz. He switched off the clippers, letting the hum fade before stepping back with a satisfied look. "Alright, bro. Take a look."

Vinny opened his eyes and turned to the mirror. His jaw dropped as he saw his reflection—a completely different version of himself stared back. His once-flowing locks were gone, replaced by a short, precise buzz that highlighted the shape of his head and gave him a clean, rugged appearance.

"Wow," Vinny said, running his hand over his head. The bristly texture sent a thrill through him. "I can’t believe how short it is."

Joey grinned, folding his arms. "That’s a #2 buzz, bro. About a quarter of an inch. Perfect length—short enough to look tough but not too extreme."

Vinny kept touching his head, his initial hesitation melting into a growing enthusiasm. "It’s... different, but I like it. I feel so... masculine."

"Hell yeah, you do," Joey said, patting Vinny on the back. "And you’re looking it too. This cut screams confidence, little bro. People are gonna notice."

Vinny’s smile grew wider as he stared at his reflection. "You think so?"

Joey nodded firmly. "Oh, for sure. But you know what?" He picked up the clippers again, his grin turning mischievous. "If you’re feeling bold, we could take it even shorter. Give you that real recruit look."

Vinny’s eyes widened, and a charged energy filled the room. "You mean, like yours?"

Joey laughed. "Shorter than mine, bro. I’m talking a real close buzz—basically bald."

Vinny hesitated for a split second before nodding. "Let’s do it."

Joey’s grin widened. "That’s the spirit, bro. Sit tight."

He took the guard off the clippers and began again, the hum louder as he moved closer to Vinny’s scalp. Each pass left an even shorter path, reducing the stubble to just a sixteenth of an inch. The transformation was stark, and Joey worked with precision, ensuring every inch of Vinny’s head was evenly clipped.

When he finished, Joey ran his hand over Vinny’s head, his touch firm but approving. "Damn, bro. That’s tight. You’re rocking it."

Vinny turned back to the mirror, his mouth falling open. "This is insane. I don’t even look like the same person."

"That’s the point," Joey said, leaning against the bench. "You’re not the same person, bro. This is the new you—sharp, disciplined, and ready for anything."

Vinny beamed, his excitement noticeable as he continued to run his hand over his head. "I feel so charged... like a whole different person."

Joey laughed, "You’re not just feeling it—you’re owning it. Good work today, bro."

Joey clapped Vinny on the back as they finished up, the locker room quiet. "You did great today, bro. Proud of you."

Vinny grinned, his hand instinctively running over his freshly buzzed head again. "Thanks, Joey. I couldn’t have done this without you."

Joey leaned against the bench, his arms crossed as he looked at Vinny with a satisfied smile. "You’ve got more in you than you realize, bro. Just needed someone to bring it out."

Vinny blushed slightly, the warmth of Joey’s encouragement making his pulse quicken. "Yeah, well, you’ve been pretty good at that."

Joey smiled, his tone dropping slightly. "Good thing you’ve been listening, huh?"

Vinny nodded, his gaze lingering on Joey. "Yeah... I guess I trust you."

Joey stepped closer, the weight of his presence both grounding and electrifying. "Good," he said softly, his eyes locked on Vinny’s. "Trust goes both ways."

The moment hung in the air, thick with tension. Joey’s hand rested on Vinny’s shoulder, his grip firm but inviting. Vinny leaned into the touch, his heart pounding as their connection deepened without the need for words... several hours later.

Joey rested his hand on Vinny's back as they caught their breath. His tone was steady, but his smirk betrayed his satisfaction. "Damn, bro, you’ve got a way of surprising me. You’re full of potential."

Vinny grinned. "Thanks, Joey."

Joey pulled away, giving Vinny’s freshly shaved head a playful smack. "You hungry?"

"Starving," Vinny admitted.

Joey smirked. "Alright, let’s get you started on a Vince Gironda's diet—steak and eggs."

Vinny hesitated. "Uh, I don’t eat red meat."

Joey stopped mid-step and looked at him, clearly disbelieving. "You’re kidding. A jock like you can’t skip out on steak, boy. It’s non-negotiable."

Vinny laugh nervously. "ok."

"Good," Joey said with a grin. "You’re gonna try a T-bone tonight. It’s like the initiation meal for your new life."

Vinny raised an eyebrow. "Initiation meal?"

"Hell yeah," Joey said, walking toward the locker room door. "You’ve got a lot to learn, bro. New haircut, new muscles, new wardrobe. Say goodbye to your old clothes. You’re stepping into a new world now—wrangler jeans, boots, gym tanks, and T-shirts that scream gym bro. You’re gonna turn heads, little bro"

Vinny laughed, shaking his head. "This is a lot."

Joey looked back, a twinkle in his eye. "Trust me. You’re gonna love it."

They climbed into his truck.

The rumble of Joey’s truck filled the air as they drove through the city. Vinny sat in the passenger seat, still adjusting to the intensity of Joey’s vision for his transformation.

"Where are we going?" Vinny asked.

Joey shot him a grin. "A spot I know—a steakhouse that serves more than just food. It’s got atmosphere, bro. You’ll see."

They pulled up to the club, its neon sign glowing faintly in the dark. The low hum of bass-heavy music seeped into the street, and Vinny could see men milling about inside, dressed casually—or barely dressed at all.

"Uh... this is a steakhouse?" Vinny asked, his eyes wide.

Joey smirked. "Hell yeah, it’s a steakhouse. Just a little more... inclusive. Don’t worry, you’ll fit right in."

Vinny hesitated. "Like this? Shirtless?"

Joey laughed, giving Vinny’s chest a quick pat. "Exactly like this. Show off the goods, bro."

Vinny shook his head, a small smile breaking through his nerves. "Alright, if you say so."

Inside, the club was buzzing with energy—a unique mix of casual dining and bold personalities. Joey guided them to a table near the back, where they could take in the scene while keeping things relaxed.

The waiter approached, his eyes flicking to Vinny before turning to Joey, clearly sensing who was in charge. "What can I get for you two?"

Joey didn’t miss a beat. "He’ll have the 16oz T-bone steak, medium rare, broccoli, and a baked potato. I’ll have the same."

The waiter jotted down the order, shooting a quick wink at Vinny before heading off.

Vinny glanced at Joey, his nerves dissipating as Joey’s confidence anchored him.

Joey said with a smirk. "You’re already getting used to this new vibe, aren’t you?"

Vinny nodded. "Yeah... I think I am."

As they waited, Joey leaned in, his tone softening slightly. "You’re really stepping into something great here, bro. You trust me to guide you through it all, don’t you?"

Vinny’s smile was genuine. "Yeah, Joey. I do."

When their food arrived, the steaks were massive. Joey watched as Vinny hesitated before cutting into his.

"Go on," Joey urged. "Take a bite. Prove to me you’re serious about stepping into this new life."

Vinny cut a piece of steak and took a bite, chewing thoughtfully.

"Well?" Joey prompted.

"It’s... not bad," Vinny said trying to convince himself.

Joey smirked. "You’ll grow to love it. From now on, steak’s a staple. Twice a day minimum. You’re on the protein and steak-and-eggs diet now."

Vinny grinned, feeling the testosterone spike as he took another bite. "Yeah bro."

Joey, watching Vinny’s confidence grow. "That’s my little bro. You’re already loving this new lifestyle, aren’t you?"

Vinny nodded enthusiastically. "I really am. Almost ready for my second one"

Joey’s smirk widened. "Good. Finish that steak, and I might just order you another. You’re gonna bulk up, boy—build a proper frame to match that buzzed head of yours."

Vinny laughed nervously. "Another steak? I was kidding about being able to eat another."

Joey raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I know you were kidding. But I’m serious. You need all the protein you can get, bro. Bulking starts now."

When the waiter returned with a second steak, Vinny’s eyes widened.

Joey smiled, reaching out to rub Vinny’s freshly shaved head. "Good little bro. You’re gonna look damn good when I’m done with you. Bald, bulked up, and living your best life."

Vinny’s grin widened. "Thanks, Joey."

Joey smirked, patting Vinny’s shoulder. "Finish your steak, boy. This is just the beginning."

"Alright, bro," Joey said, his voice steady and commanding. "You up for something permanent?"

Vinny blinked, looking up at Joey with a mixture of curiosity and excitement. "Yeah bro. What do you mean?"

Joey, leaning in close so Vinny could hear him over the music. "A tattoo, bro. You ready to make this change real?"

Vinny nodded quickly, his eagerness clear. "Yeah bro!"

"That's what I like to hear." Joey rubbed Vinny's shaved head with a grin. "Good little bro. Come on, let’s get outta here. Time to take you to my guy."

Joey grabbed his jacket, guiding Vinny toward the exit with a firm hand on the back of his neck. The cool night air hit them as they stepped out onto the sidewalk. Joey’s truck, was parked nearby under a flickering streetlight.

They walked over, Joey unlocking the doors. "Hop in, bro," Joey said, gesturing to the passenger side.

Vinny climbed in without hesitation, the leather seat cool against his skin. Joey got in on the driver’s side, started the engine, and gave Vinny a sly smile. "You’re excited, huh?"

Vinny nodded, his hands fidgeting in his lap. "Yeah, bro. Very."

Joey, pulling out of the parking lot. "Good. You’re gonna love this."

Joey smirked "I’ve got someone private I prefer to go to. He’s a good friend, and you’re gonna be his masterpiece." He smirked. "He’ll love working on you. And maybe you’ll thank him properly for his hard work."

Vinny blushed but didn’t say anything, the idea sinking in.

They soon arrived at a small, unassuming tattoo shop on a quiet street. Joey parked the truck, cutting the engine before hopping out. Vinny followed, stepping onto the cracked pavement as Joey opened the door to the shop.

"After you, little bro."

"Thank you, bro," Vinny said, stepping inside.

The shop was dimly lit except for a bright overhead lamp where a handsome strong man stood, inspecting a portfolio of designs. His muscular frame and scruffy beard gave him an intimidating presence, but his eyes lit up when he saw Joey.

"Joey!" the man said, stepping forward to shake his hand.

Joey grinned, returning the handshake. "Hey, man. Been a while. Got a fresh canvas for you." He gestured to Vinny. "Thought he’d be right up your alley."

The tattoo artist eyed Vinny, circling him slowly. "Fresh canvas, huh? What’s the plan?"

Joey smirked, placing a hand on Vinny’s shoulder. "I want him inked up from the neck down. Make him look like the, baddest muscle stud you’ve ever seen."

The tattoo artist let out a low whistle. "Damn, Joey. You’re not messing around with this one."

"Nope. Full transformation. This bro's getting a whole new life."

The tattoo artist grinned, rubbing his chin as he circled Vinny again. "He’s a skinny little thing, ain’t he?"

Vinny tried to puff out his chest, flexing what little muscle he had.

The tattoo artist laughed. "Ain’t that cute? You’re really bringing me a blank slate, Joey. This is gonna be fun."

Joey snickered, watching Vinny’s attempt at looking tough. "Yeah, he’s a scrawny one, but not for long. We’re building him into a total jock."

The tattoo artist nodded, already envisioning the transformation. "What kind of theme are you thinking for the tattoos?"

Joey tilted his head, considering it for a moment. "Heavy masculine look. Muscle jock vibes. Military energy. You know the type."

The artist smirked. "Got it. This is going to be awesome."

Joey patted Vinny on the back. "Alright, bro. Strip down. Time to get started."

Vinny hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, bro." He quickly removed his clothes, leaving them in a neat pile.

The artist sized Vinny up. "Damn, boy. You’re skinny, but you’ve got one hell of an ass."

Joey crossed his arms, grinning as he watched. "He’s a good little bro, alright. Now let’s get him prepped."

The tattoo artist grabbed a set of clippers and motioned for Vinny to sit down in the chair.

Joey leaned against the wall, watching with satisfaction as the artist began shaving Vinny’s body completely clean. Every strand of hair was removed, leaving his skin smooth and ready for ink.

"Alright, boy," the tattoo artist said, holding up the first design. "What do you think about this one?"

Vinny turned his head to Joey, seeking approval.

Joey stepped forward to inspect the design. After a moment, he nodded. "Looks good. Start with that one."

The tattoo artist grinned and began his work. Vinny clenched his teeth as the needle buzzed against his skin, but Joey’s steady presence kept him calm.

Several hours and a sedative later, Vinny woke up groggy. His body felt different—heavier, somehow. Blinking, he glanced down and gasped. His skin was now a canvas of intricate designs, from his neck to his feet.

"Damn," Joey said, stepping forward to admire the work. "You look like a real jock now."

Vinny’s eyes widened as he turned his hands over, taking in the new ink. "What... what did I do?"

Joey smirked, rubbing Vinny’s bald head. "Exactly what I wanted, bro. You’re perfect."

Vinny looked up, panic flickering in his eyes. "How am I supposed to go to work tomorrow? What’s my boss going to say?"

Joey’s smile widened. "You’re not going to that job, bro. That life’s over. Time to start fresh."

Vinny swallowed hard. "How am I supposed to make money?"

Joey placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You don’t worry about that. I’ve got you covered."

The tattoo artist chuckled as he cleaned his tools. "So, Joey, about my payment…"

Joey grinned, glancing at Vinny before turning back to the artist. "What’s it gonna take?"

The artist smirked, unbuttoning his pants. "Let me borrow your boy for a couple of hours, and we’ll call it even."

Joey raised an eyebrow, considering the offer. He turned to Vinny. "What do you say bro, on all fours?."

Vinny hesitated briefly before complying.

The artist licked his lips. "Yeah, he’s a good boy."

Afterward, Vinny found a new set of clothes waiting for him—work boots, jeans, and flannel shirts. As he dressed, he barely recognized himself in the mirror.

Joey stepped up behind him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Damn, bro. What do you think?"

Vinny adjusted his shirt, his reflection still unfamiliar. "I think... I think I don't know who is in the mirror."

Joey smirked. "That's you little bro, that you now."

Back at Joey’s place, they collapsed into bed, naked and tangled together. Joey wrapped his arms around Vinny, his bulkier frame pressing protectively against him.

"I love you," Vinny whispered, his voice soft in the dark.

Joey smiled, tightening his hold. "I love you too, boy."

The next morning, Vinny woke to the smell of steak and eggs. His muscles ached in a satisfying way as he rolled out of bed and made his way to the kitchen.

Joey was at the stove, his powerful frame relaxed but commanding as he cooked. He glanced over his shoulder when he heard Vinny enter, flashing a grin. "Morning, bro. Ready for your first day in your new life?"

Vinny nodded, still adjusting to the weight of everything that had happened. "What’s the plan?"

Joey plated the food and brought it to the table, sitting across from Vinny. "You’re coming to the shop with me. It’s time you started working with your hands."

Vinny hesitated, poking at his food. "But I don’t know the first thing about cars."

Joey reached over, rubbing Vinny’s shaved head, his hand lingering in a way that felt grounding. "And that’s fine, little bro. You’ve got potential—more than you even realize. You’ll learn, and I’ll be right there to guide you."

Vinny swallowed a bite of steak, feeling a surge of something new—pride, excitement, and trust all rolled into one. "I’ll give it my best."

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